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
$91,240
$7,603/mo
Entry Level
$57,200
starting pay
Senior Level
$122,000
experienced
Job Growth
+6%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Chemists (SOC 19-2031) at a national median of $91,240 per year (mean $100,450), or $43.87 per hour, with 82,770 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
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)
83K
5-Year Growth
+11%
Category
Science
Hourly Rate
$43.87/hr
Monthly Pay
$7,603
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
$100,000
$8,333/month · $3,846/biweekly · $48.08/hr
Chemist Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Chemist field.
Entry-level Chemists earn around $57,200, while the top 10% earn $135,750 or more.
Top Paying States for Chemists
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $108,000 | +$16,760 |
| New Jersey | $100,000 | +$8,760 |
| Pennsylvania | $91,000 | $-240 |
| Texas | $89,000 | $-2,240 |
| North Carolina | $88,000 | $-3,240 |
Top Paying Cities for Chemists
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $114,000 | +$22,760 |
| Newark | $99,000 | +$7,760 |
| Philadelphia | $93,000 | +$1,760 |
| Houston | $90,000 | $-1,240 |
| Raleigh | $89,000 | $-2,240 |
City figures are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier; BLS does not publish a metro-level series for this title.
Chemist Salary by City
Published city-level wage and take-home pay guides for Chemist.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Chemist Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Chemist from entry level to expert.
$57,200
0-2 years
$90,000
3-7 years
$122,000
8-14 years
$149,500
15+ years
Related Science Jobs
Chemist Salary FAQ
How much does a Chemist make in 2026?
The median salary for a Chemist in the United States is $91,240 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Chemists (SOC 19-2031); the mean is $100,450. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $57,200, senior professionals around $122,000, and top earners at $149,500 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Chemist?
A Chemist typically requires a Bachelor's Degree with 1-3 years of experience. Key skills include Analytical Chemistry, HPLC, Mass Spectrometry. Relevant certifications such as ACS Certification or Professional Chemist can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Chemists?
The job market for Chemists is projected to grow by 6% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 83K Chemist positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 11%, reflecting steady demand for this role.
Which states pay Chemists the most?
The highest-paying states for Chemists include New Jersey, California, Pennsylvania. In New Jersey, the median salary is approximately $100,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Chemist salary?
To increase your Chemist salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Analytical Chemistry and HPLC. Pursue certifications such as ACS Certification. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like Newark. With 1-3 years of experience, you can progress from $57,200 to $122,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Chemist Salary
How we calculate Chemist salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Chemists (SOC 19-2031), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $91,240, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Chemists; BLS mean $100,450; BLS hourly median $43.87.
- Entry-level ($57,200) and senior-level ($122,000) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +6% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 82,770 Chemists jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 11% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Science sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Bachelor's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $91,240; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Chemist compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Chemist job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for Science
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Chemist salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Analytical Chemistry, HPLC, Mass Spectrometry), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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