Chemist Salary in Hawaii
Based on 140+ workers in Hawaii
Median Annual Salary (HI)
$84,150
$40.46/hr
vs National Average
$92,010
-8.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$63K – $126K
140 employed in Hawaii
Chemists working in Hawaii earn a median salary of $84,150 per year, according to current employment data. With approximately 140 chemists employed across the islands, this represents a stable professional presence in the state. However, the chemist salary in Hawaii runs about 9% below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences and cost-of-living considerations.
Several factors influence compensation for chemists in Hawaii, including experience level, specific industry sector, and educational credentials. Salaries typically range from $63,080 to $126,070 annually, demonstrating significant earning potential for those with advanced expertise or specialized roles. The geographic isolation of the islands and the concentration of certain industries, such as agriculture and pharmaceuticals, also shape competitive pay rates in the local chemistry job market.
Salary Distribution — Chemist in Hawaii
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $63,080 |
| 25th percentile | $70,030 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $84,150 |
| 75th percentile | $104,850 |
| 90th percentile | $126,070 |
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 Hawaii 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 Hawaii vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Hawaii) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $76,970 |
| 2023 | $83,370 |
| 2024 | $83,200 |
| 2025 | $84,150 |
| 2026 (projected) | $85,111 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Hawaii Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $76,970 | $79,362 |
| 2023 | $83,370 | $83,812 |
| 2024 | $83,200 | $86,969 |
| 2025 | $84,150 | $92,010 |
| 2026 (projected) | $85,111 | $93,061 |
Chemist Salary by Experience Level in Hawaii
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $70,030 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $84,150 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $104,850 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $126,070 |
Chemist Salary in Other States
Related Chemist Salaries in Hawaii
How other high-demand occupations in Hawaii compare to Chemist ($84,150 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Chemist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychologist in HI | $117,860 | +40.1% | $56.66/hr |
| Physicist in HI | $117,190 | +39.3% | $56.34/hr |
| Geoscientist in HI | $106,270 | +26.3% | $51.09/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in HI | $85,590 | +1.7% | $41.15/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in HI | $79,510 | -5.5% | $38.23/hr |
| Police Officer in HI | $83,820 | -0.4% | $40.30/hr |
| Computer Network Support Specialist in HI | $83,620 | -0.6% | $40.20/hr |
| Economist in HI | $83,050 | -1.3% | $39.93/hr |
| Compliance Officer in HI | $82,590 | -1.9% | $39.71/hr |
| Dietitian and Nutritionist in HI | $81,920 | -2.7% | $39.38/hr |
| Computer Systems Analyst in HI | $88,640 | +5.3% | $42.62/hr |
| Art Director in HI | $89,300 | +6.1% | $42.93/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do chemists make in Hawaii?
- Chemists in Hawaii earn a median salary of $84,150 per year, or approximately $40 per hour. This is about 8.5% lower than the national average for chemists.
What is the salary range for chemists in Hawaii?
- Chemist salaries in Hawaii range from $63,080 at the lower end to $126,070 at the higher end, representing significant variation based on experience and specialization.
Is the chemist salary in Hawaii below the national average?
- Yes, Hawaii's median chemist salary of $84,150 is 8.5% below the national average, making it a lower-paying state for this profession.
How many chemists are employed in Hawaii?
- There are approximately 140 chemists currently employed in Hawaii, representing a relatively small workforce in the state.