Chemist Salary in California
Based on 10K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$97,860
$47.048/hr
vs National Average
$92,010
+6.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$61K – $164K
10K employed in California
Chemists in California earn a median salary of $97,860 per year, which is 6% above the national average. Approximately 9,820 chemists work throughout the state, making it a significant employment hub for the profession. Salaries in the field range from $60,930 to $164,150 annually, reflecting considerable variation based on individual circumstances and career progression.
Several factors influence chemist salary in California, including experience level, educational credentials, and specific industry sector. Geographic location within the state, company size, and specialization in areas like pharmaceuticals, materials science, or environmental chemistry all play important roles in compensation. Additionally, the state's high cost of living and robust biotechnology and chemical manufacturing industries contribute to generally competitive wages for qualified professionals.
Salary Distribution — Chemist in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $60,930 |
| 25th percentile | $76,340 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $97,860 |
| 75th percentile | $127,790 |
| 90th percentile | $164,150 |
Historical Salary Trend — Chemist in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $89,210 |
| 2023 | $97,210 |
| 2024 | $97,010 |
| 2025 | $97,860 |
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $89,210 | $79,362 |
| 2023 | $97,210 | $83,812 |
| 2024 | $97,010 | $86,969 |
| 2025 | $97,860 | $92,010 |
Chemist Salary by Experience Level in California
Chemist Salary in Other States
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do chemists make in California?
- The median salary for chemists in California is $97,860 per year, or $47 per hour. This is 6.4% higher than the national average for the profession.
What is the salary range for chemists in California?
- Chemist salaries in California range from $60,930 at the lower end to $164,150 at the higher end, depending on experience, specialization, and employer.
How many chemists are employed in California?
- There are approximately 9,820 chemists currently employed in California, representing a significant job market for chemistry professionals in the state.
Do chemists earn more in California than the national average?
- Yes, chemists in California earn 6.4% more than the national average, with a median salary of $97,860 compared to the lower national median.