Science & Research Wisconsin (WI) Rank #31 of 50

Chemist Salary in Wisconsin

The median chemist salary in Wisconsin is $76,167 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $82,790.

Median Salary
$76,167
vs National
$-6,623
State Rank
#31 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Chemist Salary Overview in Wisconsin (2026)

Wisconsin ranks #31 out of 50 states for chemist compensation. Chemist salaries in Wisconsin are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $76,167 per year, chemists in Wisconsin earn $6,623 less than the national median of $82,790.

A key advantage of working in Wisconsin is its below-average cost of living (92% of the national index). This means the $76,167 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $82,790 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Wisconsin is significant: chemists at the 10th percentile earn $44,160, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $130,640 — a $86,480 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Wisconsin for this role is Madison, where the median reaches $82,790.

Nationally, chemist employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for chemists across the country.

Chemist Salary in Wisconsin by Experience

In Wisconsin, an entry-level chemist earns around $46,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $124,200 per year. The cost of living index in Wisconsin is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$46,000
$-4,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$77,280
$-6,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$124,200
$-10,800 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Wisconsin

Percentile WI Salary
10th Percentile $44,160
25th Percentile $57,040
Median (50th) $76,167
75th Percentile $100,280
90th Percentile $130,640

Chemist Salary by City in Wisconsin

The largest employment areas for chemists in Wisconsin include Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Kenosha. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Chemist in Wisconsin

Education

Most chemist positions require a bachelor's degree. Wisconsin has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Analytical ChemistryLab TechniquesSpectroscopyHPLCQuality ControlResearch Methods

Job Outlook in Wisconsin

Nationally, chemist employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Wisconsin's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Data shows Chemists who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $48,033 over your career trajectory.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Wisconsin

How much does a Chemist make in Wisconsin? ▼
The median chemist salary in Wisconsin is $76,167 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $44,160 (10th percentile) to $130,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in Wisconsin? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $76,167, a chemist in Wisconsin earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Wisconsin a good state for chemists? ▼
Wisconsin ranks #31 out of 50 states for chemist pay. The cost of living index is 92% of the national average. Entry-level chemists earn $46,000, while senior professionals earn $124,200.
How does Wisconsin compare to other states for chemist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for chemists is Hawaii at $140,743. Wisconsin's median of $76,167 ranks #31 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include North Carolina ($76,167) and Texas ($76,167).
What is the entry-level chemist salary in Wisconsin? ▼
An entry-level chemist in Wisconsin earns approximately $46,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $77,280. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $124,200.
What city in Wisconsin pays chemists the most? ▼
Madison is the highest paying city in Wisconsin for chemists, with a median salary of $82,790. Other cities include Milwaukee and Green Bay.