Science & Research Tacoma, WA
Pop. 219,346
Chemist Salary in Tacoma, Washington
The median chemist salary in Tacoma, WA is $91,069 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median and 4.3% below the Washington state average.
City Median
$91,069
vs State Avg
$-4,139
vs National
+$8,279
Cost of Living
110%
Chemist Salary in Tacoma by Experience
In Tacoma, an entry-level chemist earns around $55,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $148,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.
Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$55,000
+$5,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$92,400
+$8,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$148,500
+$13,500 vs national
Salary Percentiles in Tacoma, WA
| Percentile | Tacoma |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $52,800 |
| 25th Percentile | $68,200 |
| Median (50th) | $91,069 |
| 75th Percentile | $119,900 |
| 90th Percentile | $156,200 |
Chemist Salary in Other Washington Cities
How to Become a Chemist in Tacoma
Education
Most chemist positions require a bachelor's degree. Tacoma 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 Tacoma may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Chemist Jobs in Tacoma
Browse open chemist positions in Tacoma, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Tacoma
How much does a Chemist make in Tacoma, WA? ▼
The median chemist salary in Tacoma, Washington is $91,069 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $52,800 (10th percentile) to $156,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in Tacoma? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $91,069, a chemist in Tacoma earns approximately $44 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tacoma compare to the Washington state average for chemist pay? ▼
Tacoma's median chemist salary of $91,069 is 4.3% below the Washington state average of $95,208. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tacoma, WA? ▼
Tacoma has a cost of living index of 110% compared to the national average. This means a chemist salary of $91,069 in Tacoma has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in Tacoma? ▼
Most chemist positions in Tacoma 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.