Chemist
Chemists and materials scientists study substances at the atomic and molecular level and analyze the ways in which the substances interact with one another. They use their knowledge to develop new and improved products and to test the quality of manufactured goods.
$80,680
Median Salary
$86,328
Mean Salary
96,200
Total Employment
5%
Job Growth
About as fast as average
Bachelor's degree
Education
7,696
Openings/Year
Salary Distribution
10th Percentile $48,408
25th Percentile $62,930
Median $80,680
75th Percentile $103,270
90th Percentile $135,542
Salary Map
Lower Mid Higher
Top Employing States
California 15,799
Texas 11,081
New York 6,142
Florida 5,711
Illinois 4,316
Salary by State
| # | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hawaii | $170,210 |
| 2 | District of Columbia | $134,876 |
| 3 | California | $123,549 |
| 4 | Massachusetts | $119,606 |
| 5 | New Jersey | $115,961 |
| 6 | Connecticut | $114,380 |
| 7 | New York | $112,008 |
| 8 | Oregon | $108,139 |
| 9 | Alaska | $103,223 |
| 10 | New Hampshire | $101,457 |
| 11 | Maine | $101,116 |
| 12 | Rhode Island | $100,501 |
| 13 | Washington | $96,117 |
| 14 | Minnesota | $94,850 |
| 15 | Maryland | $91,722 |
| 16 | Colorado | $89,696 |
| 17 | Utah | $89,250 |
| 18 | Idaho | $86,717 |
| 19 | Florida | $86,653 |
| 20 | Delaware | $86,114 |
| 21 | Wisconsin | $85,839 |
| 22 | South Carolina | $85,647 |
| 23 | Georgia | $82,668 |
| 24 | Vermont | $82,638 |
| 25 | South Dakota | $81,639 |
| 26 | Illinois | $79,548 |
| 27 | Nevada | $79,146 |
| 28 | Tennessee | $79,126 |
| 29 | Virginia | $78,668 |
| 30 | Pennsylvania | $77,663 |
| 31 | Texas | $75,797 |
| 32 | North Dakota | $75,645 |
| 33 | Nebraska | $73,305 |
| 34 | Missouri | $72,901 |
| 35 | North Carolina | $72,686 |
| 36 | Arizona | $72,239 |
| 37 | Michigan | $72,139 |
| 38 | West Virginia | $71,835 |
| 39 | Iowa | $71,172 |
| 40 | Alabama | $70,195 |
| 41 | Louisiana | $69,483 |
| 42 | Montana | $69,357 |
| 43 | Wyoming | $68,888 |
| 44 | Indiana | $68,503 |
| 45 | Mississippi | $66,504 |
| 46 | Ohio | $65,003 |
| 47 | Kentucky | $64,597 |
| 48 | Kansas | $62,487 |
| 49 | New Mexico | $62,348 |
| 50 | Oklahoma | $61,757 |
| 51 | Arkansas | $61,154 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Chemist?
The median salary for a Chemist is $80,680 per year nationally. Salaries range from $48,408 (10th percentile) to $135,542 (90th percentile).
What education do you need to become a Chemist?
A Chemist typically requires a bachelor's degree.
What is the job outlook for Chemists?
Employment of chemists is projected to grow 5% — about as fast as average. About 7,696 openings are expected each year.
Which state pays Chemists the most?
Hawaii pays the highest median salary for chemists at $170,210 per year.