Chemist Salary in California
Based on 10K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$97,860
$47.05/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 |
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 California 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 California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $89,210 |
| 2023 | $97,210 |
| 2024 | $97,010 |
| 2025 | $97,860 |
| 2026 (projected) | $98,717 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| 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 |
| 2026 (projected) | $98,717 | $92,816 |
Chemist Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $76,340 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $97,860 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $127,790 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $164,150 |
Chemist Salary in Other States
Related Chemist Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Chemist ($97,860 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Chemist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicist in CA | $207,490 | +112.0% | $99.75/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in CA | $139,580 | +42.6% | $67.11/hr |
| Medical Scientist in CA | $136,990 | +40.0% | $65.86/hr |
| Psychologist in CA | $116,000 | +18.5% | $55.77/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in CA | $109,610 | +12.0% | $52.70/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in CA | $106,510 | +8.8% | $51.21/hr |
| Geoscientist in CA | $106,500 | +8.8% | $51.20/hr |
| Credit Analyst in CA | $97,860 | +0.0% | $47.05/hr |
| Editor in CA | $98,030 | +0.2% | $47.13/hr |
| Construction Supervisor in CA | $97,680 | -0.2% | $46.96/hr |
| Accountant in CA | $97,050 | -0.8% | $46.66/hr |
| Instructional Coordinator in CA | $97,010 | -0.9% | $46.64/hr |
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.