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Science

Chemist Salary

Chemists study substances at the atomic and molecular levels and analyze the ways in which substances interact with each other, conducting experiments for product development and quality control.

Median: $80,680 Growth: 6% BLS Data

Chemist Salary Range

Entry Level
$48,000
0-2 years
Mid Career
$78,000
5-10 years
Senior Level
$120,000
10+ years

Salary Percentiles

10th Percentile $45,880
25th Percentile $60,200
Median (50th) $80,680
75th Percentile $106,340
90th Percentile $139,450

Top Paying States for Chemists

$115,000
$105,000
$100,000
$98,000
$95,000

Job Outlook & Education

Growth Rate
+6%
Above Average
Education
Bachelor's or master's degree in Chemistry

How Much Do Chemists Make?

The median annual salary for a chemist in the United States is $80,680 as of 2026. This means half of chemists earn more than this amount, and half earn less.

Salary by Experience Level

  • Entry Level (0-2 years): $48,000
  • Mid Career (5-10 years): $78,000
  • Senior Level (10+ years): $120,000

Calculate Your Take-Home

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Calculate $80,680 Salary

Hourly Equivalent

Based on 2,080 work hours/year

$38/hr
See $38/hr Breakdown

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What Can a Chemist Afford?

Based on median salary of $80,680

Max Rent $1,999/mo
Max Car Payment $799/mo
Monthly Savings $1,007/mo
See Full Budget Breakdown

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