Chemist Salary in District of Columbia
Based on 280+ workers in District of Columbia
Median Annual Salary (DC)
$149,860
$72.05/hr
vs National Average
$92,010
+62.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$101K – $195K
280 employed in District of Columbia
Chemists working in District of Columbia earn a median salary of $149,860 annually, which is 63% above the national average. With approximately 280 chemists employed in the region, the field represents a significant professional presence. Salaries in this market range from $101,400 to $195,190, reflecting considerable variation based on experience and specialization.
Several factors influence chemist salary in District of Columbia, including education level, years of experience, and specific industry sector. The region's concentration of federal agencies, research institutions, and pharmaceutical companies creates competitive compensation packages. Advanced degrees and specialized certifications typically command higher salaries, while roles in government research or private sector labs may offer different pay scales depending on employer and position responsibilities.
Salary Distribution — Chemist in District of Columbia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $101,400 |
| 25th percentile | $128,610 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $149,860 |
| 75th percentile | $172,560 |
| 90th percentile | $195,190 |
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 District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (District of Columbia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $134,660 |
| 2023 | $141,880 |
| 2024 | $153,320 |
| 2025 | $149,860 |
| 2026 (projected) | $149,860 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | District of Columbia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $134,660 | $79,362 |
| 2023 | $141,880 | $83,812 |
| 2024 | $153,320 | $86,969 |
| 2025 | $149,860 | $92,010 |
| 2026 (projected) | $149,860 | $92,010 |
Chemist Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $128,610 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $149,860 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $172,560 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $195,190 |
Chemist Salary in Other States
Related Chemist Salaries in District of Columbia
How other high-demand occupations in District of Columbia compare to Chemist ($149,860 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Chemist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicist in DC | $157,040 | +4.8% | $75.50/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in DC | $137,000 | -8.6% | $65.87/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in DC | $132,620 | -11.5% | $63.76/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in DC | $120,090 | -19.9% | $57.74/hr |
| Psychologist in DC | $107,000 | -28.6% | $51.44/hr |
| Medical Scientist in DC | $101,940 | -32.0% | $49.01/hr |
| Database Administrator in DC | $150,010 | +0.1% | $72.12/hr |
| Pharmacist in DC | $153,400 | +2.4% | $73.75/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in DC | $155,140 | +3.5% | $74.59/hr |
| Computer and Information Research Scientist in DC | $144,190 | -3.8% | $69.32/hr |
| Software Engineer in DC | $156,590 | +4.5% | $75.28/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in DC | $143,000 | -4.6% | $68.75/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do chemists make in Washington DC?
- Chemists in District of Columbia earn a median salary of $149,860 per year, or approximately $72 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 62.9% premium for the region.
What is the salary range for chemists in DC?
- Chemist salaries in District of Columbia range from $101,400 at the lower end to $195,190 at the upper end, providing a $93,790 spread across the profession in the region.
Is chemistry a well-paid job in the District of Columbia?
- Yes, chemistry is well-compensated in DC with a median salary of $149,860 annually, which exceeds the national average by 62.9%, making it one of the better-paying locations for this profession.
How many chemists work in Washington DC?
- There are approximately 280 chemists currently employed in District of Columbia, representing the total workforce in this field within the region.