Chemist Salary in San Francisco, CA
Chemist salary data for San Francisco, CA — adjusted for local cost of living. Entry-level to senior pay ranges, take-home pay calculator, and local job market insights.
Chemist Salary in San Francisco, CA — 2026
The median Chemist salary in San Francisco, CA is $149,400 per year ($12,450/month, $72/hr). This reflects the local cost of living index of 180, which is 80% above the national average.
Chemist Take-Home Pay in San Francisco
Tax Breakdown (Median Salary)
| Gross Annual | $149,400 |
| Federal Tax | -$25,103 |
| State Tax (9.3%) | -$13,894 |
| FICA (SS + Medicare) | -$11,429 |
| Annual Take-Home | $98,974 |
| Monthly Take-Home | $8,248 |
Living Cost Comparison
Chemist Requirements
Key Skills
San Francisco Job Market Overview
San Francisco, California has a population of 873,965 and an unemployment rate of 3.2%. The top industries are Technology, Finance, Healthcare. The local job growth rate is 2.5%, and the average commute time is 34 minutes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Chemist salary in San Francisco, CA?
How much does a Chemist take home in San Francisco after taxes?
Is San Francisco a good city for Chemists?
What skills are needed for a Chemist in San Francisco?
How does Chemist salary in San Francisco compare to the national average?
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Chemist salary in San Francisco, CA?
The median Chemist salary in San Francisco, CA is $149,400 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 180. Entry-level Chemists earn around $93,600, while senior-level professionals can earn $199,800 or more.
How much does a Chemist take home in San Francisco after taxes?
A Chemist earning the median salary of $149,400 in San Francisco, CA takes home approximately $98,974 per year ($8,248/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 33.8%.
Is San Francisco a good city for Chemists?
San Francisco, CA has a cost of living index of 180 (above national average). Chemists here earn above the city median. The local unemployment rate is 3.2% and top industries include Technology, Finance, Healthcare.
What skills are needed for a Chemist in San Francisco?
Key skills for Chemists include Analytical Chemistry, HPLC, Mass Spectrometry, Lab Safety, Quality Control. Typical education requirement is Bachelor's Degree. Valuable certifications include ACS Certification, Professional Chemist.
How does Chemist salary in San Francisco compare to the national average?
The national median Chemist salary is $83,000. In San Francisco, the adjusted salary is $149,400, which is 80.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.