SOC 192031

Chemists

Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge. Excludes "Biochemists and Biophysicists" (19-1021) and "Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers" (19-2042).

National Median

$84,150

per year

National Salary Overview

Median Annual

$84,150

Entry Level (10th pct)

$53,210

Experienced (90th pct)

$154,430

Total Employed

83,250

Salary Distribution

Salary percentiles show the range from entry-level (10th) to top earners (90th)

Salary by Experience Level

Experience Level	Estimated Salary Range
Entry Level0-2 years experience	$53,210 - $63,930
Mid Career2-8 years experience	$63,930 - $120,210
Senior / Expert8+ years experience	$120,210 - $154,430

Highest Paying Locations for Chemists

District of Columbia

$153,320

+82.2% vs national

Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

$145,430

+72.8% vs national

Albuquerque, NM

$137,740

+63.7% vs national

New Mexico

$134,370

+59.7% vs national

Maryland

$131,910

+56.8% vs national

Chemists Salary by Location

Compare salaries across 50 metropolitan areas

Metropolitan Area	Median Salary	Employed
District of Columbia	$153,320	250
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV	$145,430	2,640
Albuquerque, NM	$137,740	160
New Mexico	$134,370	210
Maryland	$131,910	3,000
Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH	$130,830	2,870
Lake Charles, LA	$130,770	160
Midland, MI	$129,700	310
Baton Rouge, LA	$127,860	220
Huntsville, AL	$127,070	120
Massachusetts	$126,970	3,340
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA	$126,190	2,040
Lexington Park, MD	$125,820	50
Delaware	$125,430	1,180
Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL	$124,440	40
Peoria, IL	$122,950	120
New Orleans-Metairie, LA	$115,030	140
Midland, TX	$111,830	60
Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX	$110,300	2,640
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA	$109,960	500
Athens-Clarke County, GA	$109,260	80
Louisiana	$109,150	630
Cedar Rapids, IA	$108,460	90
West Virginia	$108,010	270
Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA	$107,100	70
Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD	$104,870	840
Springfield, MA	$104,000	50
Decatur, AL	$103,360	70
Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY	$103,340	420
Southwest New York nonmetropolitan area	$102,970	70
Savannah, GA	$102,650	40
Boulder, CO	$102,600	470
Norwich-New London-Willimantic, CT	$102,140	130
State College, PA	$102,050	60
Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA	$101,660	620
Texas	$101,260	5,490
Eugene-Springfield, OR	$100,810	80
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN	$100,720	2,810
Kalamazoo-Portage, MI	$100,700	270
Lower West Mississippi nonmetropolitan area	$99,960	30
Virginia	$99,810	1,340
Idaho Falls, ID	$99,740	120
Worcester, MA	$99,280	340
Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek, OH	$99,270	230
Gainesville, GA	$99,270	30
Spartanburg, SC	$98,990	110
Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX	$98,940	210
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA	$98,600	1,110
Colorado	$97,380	1,820
Rhode Island	$97,300	120

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average salary for a Chemists?

The national median annual salary for Chemists is $84,150, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. This means half of workers in this occupation earn more, and half earn less.

Where do Chemistss earn the most?

The highest-paying metro area for Chemistss is District of Columbia, with a median salary of $153,320.

How much can an experienced Chemists make?

Top-earning Chemistss (90th percentile) make $154,430 or more annually. This typically reflects workers with significant experience, specialized skills, or positions in high-paying regions.