Chemist Salary in 2026
Chemists conduct qualitative and quantitative experiments to analyze substances, develop new materials, and improve manufacturing processes. They work in labs across pharmaceuticals, materials, and energy.
Median Salary
$83,000
$6,917/mo
Entry Level
$52,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$111,000
experienced
Job Growth
+6%
10-yr outlook
Chemist Overview
Chemists conduct qualitative and quantitative experiments to analyze substances, develop new materials, and improve manufacturing processes. They work in labs across pharmaceuticals, materials, and energy.
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
1-3 years
Industry
Science
Total Jobs (US)
90K
5-Year Growth
+11%
Category
Science
Hourly Rate
$39.90/hr
Monthly Pay
$6,917
Chemist Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Chemist salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Chemist Salary
$91,000
$7,583/month · $3,500/biweekly · $43.75/hr
Chemist Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Chemist field.
Entry-level Chemists earn around $52,000, while the top 10% earn $123,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Chemists
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $98,000 | +$15,000 |
| New Jersey | $91,000 | +$8,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $83,000 | $0 |
| Texas | $81,000 | $-2,000 |
| North Carolina | $80,000 | $-3,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Chemists
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $104,000 | +$21,000 |
| Newark | $90,000 | +$7,000 |
| Philadelphia | $85,000 | +$2,000 |
| Houston | $82,000 | $-1,000 |
| Raleigh | $81,000 | $-2,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Chemist Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Chemist from entry level to expert.
$52,000
0-2 years
$82,000
3-7 years
$111,000
8-14 years
$136,000
15+ years
Related Science Jobs
Chemist Salary FAQ
Explore More Job Salaries
Compare salary data for hundreds of jobs across all industries. Find out what you should be earning.