Chemist Salary in the United States
Based on 83K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$92,010
$44.24/hr
▲ 5.8% vs 2024Salary Range
$58K – $145K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
83K
workers nationwide
The median Chemist salary in the United States is $92,010 per year, which translates to approximately $44 per hour. This figure represents the midpoint of earnings for chemists across the country, with a typical salary range falling between $58,469 and $144,547 annually. This data reflects the compensation landscape for this scientific profession.
Several factors can influence a chemist's earnings, including years of experience, specific industry, geographical location, and level of education. For example, the District of Columbia offers a higher median salary of $149,860, illustrating how location can significantly impact pay. Specialized skills and advanced degrees often command higher compensation within the field.
Salary Distribution — Chemist
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $58,469 |
| 25th percentile | $71,021 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $92,010 |
| 75th percentile | $118,412 |
| 90th percentile | $144,547 |
Chemist Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Chemist
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | $149,860 | +62.9% | 280 |
| 2 | Maryland | $140,670 | +52.9% | 2K |
| 3 | Delaware | $129,860 | +41.1% | 1K |
| 4 | New Mexico | $126,960 | +38.0% | 280 |
| 5 | Massachusetts | $125,000 | +35.9% | 3K |
| 6 | Alaska | $106,010 | +15.2% | 60 |
| 7 | Oregon | $104,590 | +13.7% | 730 |
| 8 | Louisiana | $103,890 | +12.9% | 740 |
| 9 | Wyoming | $102,000 | +10.9% | 80 |
| 10 | Colorado | $101,980 | +10.8% | 2K |
Chemist Salary by Industry
How much Chemists earn across industries nationwide — Utilities pays the most ($123,380 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Utilities | $123,380 | +34.1% | 610 |
| 2 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $112,840 | +22.6% | 3K |
| 3 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $109,990 | +19.5% | 190 |
| 4 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $107,330 | +16.7% | 10K |
| 5 | Transportation and Warehousing | $96,840 | +5.2% | 160 |
| 6 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $94,060 | +2.2% | 80 |
| 7 | Wholesale Trade | $93,960 | +2.1% | 3K |
| 8 | Manufacturing | $90,750 | -1.4% | 35K |
| 9 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $85,070 | -7.5% | 25K |
| 10 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $83,290 | -9.5% | 760 |
| 11 | Construction | $81,190 | -11.8% | 90 |
| 12 | Retail Trade | $77,910 | -15.3% | 170 |
| 13 | Educational Services | $74,860 | -18.6% | 2K |
| 14 | Administrative and Support Services | $64,320 | -30.1% | 3K |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Top H-1B Employers for Chemist
Companies that filed the most H-1B applications for Chemist roles, with their median base salary.
| # | Company | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brookhaven National Laboratory | $84,994 | 16 |
| 2 | Eli Lilly And | $154,337 | 15 |
| 3 | Emory University | $68,964 | 11 |
| 4 | Regeneron Pharmaceuticals | $101,213 | 10 |
| 5 | Battelle Memorial Institute | $114,443 | 9 |
| 6 | University Of Minnesota | $67,496 | 8 |
| 7 | The Trustees Of Princeton University | $65,000 | 8 |
| 8 | University Of California Berkeley | $87,000 | 8 |
Historical Salary Trend — Chemist
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $79,362 |
| 2023 | $83,812 |
| 2024 | $86,969 |
| 2025 | $92,010 |
| 2026 (projected) | $97,343 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Chemist Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $71,021 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $92,010 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $118,412 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $144,547 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a chemist in the US?
- The median salary for a chemist in the United States is $92,010 annually. This means half of all chemists earn more than this amount, and half earn less. The typical salary range is between $58,469 and $144,547.
How much do chemists earn per hour?
- On average, chemists in the US earn about $44 per hour. This hourly rate is derived from the median annual salary of $92,010, reflecting the typical compensation structure for this profession.
Which US state pays chemists the most?
- The District of Columbia is the top-paying state for chemists, with a median salary of $149,860 per year. This significantly exceeds the national median of $92,010, highlighting geographical differences in compensation.
What is the salary range for chemists in the United States?
- The salary range for chemists in the United States generally falls between $58,469 and $144,547 annually. This broad spectrum indicates considerable variation in pay based on experience, location, and specialization.