Science & Research Arlington, VA Pop. 238,643

Chemist Salary in Arlington, Virginia

The median chemist salary in Arlington, VA is $109,283 per year, which is 32.0% above the national median and 26.9% above the Virginia state average.

City Median
$109,283
vs State Avg
+$23,181
vs National
+$26,493
Cost of Living
132%

Chemist Pay in Arlington: What to Expect (2026)

Arlington offers a median chemist salary of $109,283, which is $23,181 above the Virginia state average of $86,102. Compared to the national median of $82,790, Arlington pays above average for this role.

However, Arlington's cost of living index is 132%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $109,283 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $82,790. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Arlington should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for chemists in Arlington spans from $63,360 at the 10th percentile to $187,440 at the 90th percentile — a $124,080 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $66,000, while senior chemists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $178,200. With a population of 238,643, Arlington is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Chemist Salary in Arlington by Experience

In Arlington, an entry-level chemist earns around $66,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $178,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$66,000
+$16,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$110,880
+$26,880 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$178,200
+$43,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Arlington, VA

Percentile Arlington
10th Percentile $63,360
25th Percentile $81,840
Median (50th) $109,283
75th Percentile $143,880
90th Percentile $187,440

Chemist Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Virginia Beach, VA
$84,446
Pop. 449,974
Richmond, VA
$82,790
Pop. 226,610
Chesapeake, VA
$81,134
Pop. 249,422
Norfolk, VA
$79,478
Pop. 238,005

How to Become a Chemist in Arlington

Education

Most chemist positions require a bachelor's degree. Arlington and the surrounding Virginia area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Analytical ChemistryLab TechniquesSpectroscopyHPLCQuality ControlResearch Methods

Job Outlook

Nationally, chemist employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Arlington may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Chemist Jobs in Arlington

Browse open chemist positions in Arlington, VA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Arlington

How much does a Chemist make in Arlington, VA? ▼
The median chemist salary in Arlington, Virginia is $109,283 per year, which is 32.0% above the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $63,360 (10th percentile) to $187,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in Arlington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $109,283, a chemist in Arlington earns approximately $53 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Arlington compare to the Virginia state average for chemist pay? ▼
Arlington's median chemist salary of $109,283 is 26.9% above the Virginia state average of $86,102. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Arlington, VA? ▼
Arlington has a cost of living index of 132% compared to the national average. This means a chemist salary of $109,283 in Arlington has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in Arlington? ▼
Most chemist positions in Arlington require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Analytical Chemistry, Lab Techniques, Spectroscopy, HPLC. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.