Science & Research Seattle, WA Pop. 737,015

Chemist Salary in Seattle, Washington

The median chemist salary in Seattle, WA is $122,529 per year, which is 48.0% above the national median and 28.7% above the Washington state average.

City Median
$122,529
vs State Avg
+$27,321
vs National
+$39,739
Cost of Living
148%

Chemist Salary in Seattle by Experience

In Seattle, an entry-level chemist earns around $74,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $199,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$74,000
+$24,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$124,320
+$40,320 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$199,800
+$64,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Seattle, WA

Percentile Seattle
10th Percentile $71,040
25th Percentile $91,760
Median (50th) $122,529
75th Percentile $161,320
90th Percentile $210,160

Chemist Salary in Other Washington Cities

How to Become a Chemist in Seattle

Education

Most chemist positions require a bachelor's degree. Seattle 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 Seattle may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Chemist Jobs in Seattle

Browse open chemist positions in Seattle, WA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Seattle

How much does a Chemist make in Seattle, WA?
The median chemist salary in Seattle, Washington is $122,529 per year, which is 48.0% above the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $71,040 (10th percentile) to $210,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in Seattle?
Based on the median annual salary of $122,529, a chemist in Seattle earns approximately $59 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Seattle compare to the Washington state average for chemist pay?
Seattle's median chemist salary of $122,529 is 28.7% above the Washington state average of $95,208. The local cost of living index is 148% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Seattle, WA?
Seattle has a cost of living index of 148% compared to the national average. This means a chemist salary of $122,529 in Seattle has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in Seattle?
Most chemist positions in Seattle 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.