Science & Research Bellevue, WA Pop. 151,854

Chemist Salary in Bellevue, Washington

The median chemist salary in Bellevue, WA is $125,841 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 32.2% above the Washington state average.

City Median
$125,841
vs State Avg
+$30,633
vs National
+$43,051
Cost of Living
152%

Chemist Pay in Bellevue: What to Expect (2026)

Bellevue offers a median chemist salary of $125,841, which is $30,633 above the Washington state average of $95,208. Compared to the national median of $82,790, Bellevue pays above average for this role.

However, Bellevue's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $125,841 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $82,790. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Bellevue should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for chemists in Bellevue spans from $72,960 at the 10th percentile to $215,840 at the 90th percentile — a $142,880 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $76,000, while senior chemists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $205,200. With a population of 151,854, Bellevue is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Chemist Salary in Bellevue by Experience

In Bellevue, an entry-level chemist earns around $76,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $205,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$76,000
+$26,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$127,680
+$43,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$205,200
+$70,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Bellevue, WA

Percentile Bellevue
10th Percentile $72,960
25th Percentile $94,240
Median (50th) $125,841
75th Percentile $165,680
90th Percentile $215,840

Chemist Salary in Other Washington Cities

Seattle, WA
$122,529
Pop. 737,015
Tacoma, WA
$91,069
Pop. 219,346
Vancouver, WA
$84,446
Pop. 190,915
Spokane, WA
$76,167
Pop. 228,989

How to Become a Chemist in Bellevue

Education

Most chemist positions require a bachelor's degree. Bellevue and the surrounding Washington 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 Bellevue may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Chemist Jobs in Bellevue

Browse open chemist positions in Bellevue, WA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Bellevue

How much does a Chemist make in Bellevue, WA? ▼
The median chemist salary in Bellevue, Washington is $125,841 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $72,960 (10th percentile) to $215,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in Bellevue? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $125,841, a chemist in Bellevue earns approximately $61 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Bellevue compare to the Washington state average for chemist pay? ▼
Bellevue's median chemist salary of $125,841 is 32.2% above the Washington state average of $95,208. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Bellevue, WA? ▼
Bellevue has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a chemist salary of $125,841 in Bellevue has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in Bellevue? ▼
Most chemist positions in Bellevue 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.