Chemist Salary in Idaho
Based on 320+ workers in Idaho
Median Annual Salary (ID)
$78,000
$37.50/hr
vs National Average
$92,010
-15.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$37K – $135K
320 employed in Idaho
Chemist salary in Idaho averages $78,000 per year, according to current labor data. This median reflects compensation for approximately 320 chemists working throughout the state. However, Idaho's chemist salary sits about 15% below the national average, and individual earnings vary significantly, ranging from $37,230 to $134,850 annually depending on experience and specialization.
Several factors influence earning potential for chemists in Idaho. Experience level plays a major role, with senior chemists commanding substantially higher salaries than entry-level positions. Industry sector matters significantly too—chemists working in pharmaceuticals or specialized manufacturing typically earn more than those in research or academic settings. Geographic location within Idaho, educational credentials, and specific technical expertise also contribute to salary variations across the state.
Salary Distribution — Chemist in Idaho
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $37,230 |
| 25th percentile | $58,480 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $78,000 |
| 75th percentile | $106,750 |
| 90th percentile | $134,850 |
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 Idaho 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 Idaho vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Idaho) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $61,110 |
| 2023 | $69,110 |
| 2024 | $59,460 |
| 2025 | $78,000 |
| 2026 (projected) | $82,680 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Idaho Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $61,110 | $79,362 |
| 2023 | $69,110 | $83,812 |
| 2024 | $59,460 | $86,969 |
| 2025 | $78,000 | $92,010 |
| 2026 (projected) | $82,680 | $97,531 |
Chemist Salary by Experience Level in Idaho
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $58,480 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $78,000 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $106,750 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $134,850 |
Chemist Salary in Other States
Related Chemist Salaries in Idaho
How other high-demand occupations in Idaho compare to Chemist ($78,000 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Chemist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicist in ID | $135,150 | +73.3% | $64.98/hr |
| Psychologist in ID | $97,790 | +25.4% | $47.01/hr |
| Geoscientist in ID | $91,170 | +16.9% | $43.83/hr |
| Medical Scientist in ID | $83,010 | +6.4% | $39.91/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in ID | $76,500 | -1.9% | $36.78/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in ID | $70,350 | -9.8% | $33.82/hr |
| Respiratory Therapist in ID | $78,460 | +0.6% | $37.72/hr |
| Web Developer in ID | $79,290 | +1.7% | $38.12/hr |
| Tax Examiner in ID | $79,440 | +1.8% | $38.19/hr |
| Credit Analyst in ID | $79,650 | +2.1% | $38.29/hr |
| Radiologic Technologist in ID | $80,080 | +2.7% | $38.50/hr |
| General and Operations Manager in ID | $80,390 | +3.1% | $38.65/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do chemists make in Idaho?
- The median salary for chemists in Idaho is $78,000 per year, or approximately $38 per hour. This is about 15.2% lower than the national average for chemists.
What is the salary range for chemists in Idaho?
- Chemist salaries in Idaho range from $37,230 on the lower end to $134,850 on the higher end, depending on experience, education, and employer.
How many chemists are employed in Idaho?
- There are currently 320 chemists employed in Idaho, making up a relatively small but established workforce in the state's scientific sector.
Is the chemist salary in Idaho below the national average?
- Yes, Idaho's median chemist salary of $78,000 is 15.2% below the national average, meaning chemists in Idaho earn less than their counterparts in most other states.