Chemist Salary in Arizona
Based on 870+ workers in Arizona
Median Annual Salary (AZ)
$81,730
$39.29/hr
vs National Average
$92,010
-11.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$54K – $136K
870 employed in Arizona
Chemist salary in Arizona averages $81,730 per year, according to current employment data. This median salary sits 11% below the national average for chemists, reflecting regional economic differences. Arizona currently employs approximately 870 chemists across various industries, from pharmaceuticals to manufacturing. Salaries in the state range from $53,520 to $135,940 annually, depending on experience and specialization.
Several factors influence chemist salary in Arizona, including years of experience, educational credentials, and industry sector. Chemists working in specialized fields like biotechnology or petrochemicals typically earn more than those in general research positions. Company size and location within Arizona also play significant roles, with larger metropolitan areas often offering higher compensation. Advanced degrees and professional certifications can further impact earning potential in this competitive field.
Salary Distribution — Chemist in Arizona
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $53,520 |
| 25th percentile | $62,350 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $81,730 |
| 75th percentile | $119,390 |
| 90th percentile | $135,940 |
Top-Paying Industries for Chemist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Chemists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Chemists in Arizona tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $123,380 | 610 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $112,840 | 3K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $109,990 | 190 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $107,330 | 10K |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $96,840 | 160 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Chemist in Arizona vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Arizona) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $85,080 |
| 2023 | $70,430 |
| 2024 | $79,330 |
| 2025 | $81,730 |
| 2026 (projected) | $84,203 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Arizona Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $85,080 | $79,362 |
| 2023 | $70,430 | $83,812 |
| 2024 | $79,330 | $86,969 |
| 2025 | $81,730 | $92,010 |
| 2026 (projected) | $84,203 | $94,794 |
Chemist Salary by Experience Level in Arizona
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $62,350 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $81,730 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $119,390 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $135,940 |
Chemist Salary in Other States
Related Chemist Salaries in Arizona
How other high-demand occupations in Arizona compare to Chemist ($81,730 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Chemist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicist in AZ | $130,500 | +59.7% | $62.74/hr |
| Psychologist in AZ | $119,010 | +45.6% | $57.22/hr |
| Medical Scientist in AZ | $116,820 | +42.9% | $56.16/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in AZ | $102,400 | +25.3% | $49.23/hr |
| Geoscientist in AZ | $85,190 | +4.2% | $40.96/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in AZ | $80,600 | -1.4% | $38.75/hr |
| Tax Examiner in AZ | $81,180 | -0.7% | $39.03/hr |
| Financial Examiner in AZ | $80,260 | -1.8% | $38.59/hr |
| Accountant in AZ | $79,970 | -2.2% | $38.45/hr |
| Respiratory Therapist in AZ | $79,780 | -2.4% | $38.36/hr |
| Statistician in AZ | $79,640 | -2.6% | $38.29/hr |
| Economist in AZ | $79,610 | -2.6% | $38.27/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do chemists make in Arizona?
- The median salary for chemists in Arizona is $81,730 per year, or $39 per hour. This is 11.2% below the national average for chemists.
What is the salary range for chemists working in Arizona?
- Chemist salaries in Arizona range from $53,520 at the low end to $135,940 at the high end, reflecting differences in experience, specialization, and employer type.
How many chemists are employed in Arizona?
- There are approximately 870 chemists currently employed in Arizona, providing insight into the size of the job market for this profession in the state.
Is the chemist salary in Arizona lower than the national average?
- Yes, Arizona chemists earn 11.2% less than the national average, with the state median at $81,730 compared to higher national figures.