Chemist Salary in Maine
Based on 140+ workers in Maine
Median Annual Salary (ME)
$64,440
$30.98/hr
vs National Average
$92,010
-30.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$51K – $100K
140 employed in Maine
The median chemist salary in Maine is $64,440 per year, which is approximately 30% below the national average for this profession. Currently, Maine has around 140 employed chemists. While this represents a stable workforce in the state, compensation tends to lag behind other regions, reflecting differences in local market demand and cost of living.
Several factors influence chemist salary in Maine, including industry type, employer size, and individual experience level. The state's smaller population and limited concentration of large pharmaceutical or chemical manufacturing facilities compared to other states contribute to lower overall wages. Additionally, educational background, specialized certifications, and years of professional experience play significant roles in determining individual earning potential within the Maine chemistry job market.
Salary Distribution — Chemist in Maine
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $50,640 |
| 25th percentile | $55,740 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $64,440 |
| 75th percentile | $77,750 |
| 90th percentile | $100,360 |
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 Maine 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 Maine vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Maine) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $63,030 |
| 2023 | $60,790 |
| 2024 | $58,750 |
| 2025 | $64,440 |
| 2026 (projected) | $68,306 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Maine Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $63,030 | $79,362 |
| 2023 | $60,790 | $83,812 |
| 2024 | $58,750 | $86,969 |
| 2025 | $64,440 | $92,010 |
| 2026 (projected) | $68,306 | $97,531 |
Chemist Salary by Experience Level in Maine
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $55,740 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $64,440 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $77,750 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $100,360 |
Chemist Salary in Other States
Related Chemist Salaries in Maine
How other high-demand occupations in Maine compare to Chemist ($64,440 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Chemist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Scientist in ME | $93,730 | +45.5% | $45.06/hr |
| Geoscientist in ME | $86,840 | +34.8% | $41.75/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in ME | $84,560 | +31.2% | $40.65/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in ME | $79,120 | +22.8% | $38.04/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in ME | $66,480 | +3.2% | $31.96/hr |
| Dietitian and Nutritionist in ME | $64,610 | +0.3% | $31.06/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in ME | $64,880 | +0.7% | $31.19/hr |
| Plumber in ME | $64,000 | -0.7% | $30.77/hr |
| Interior Designer in ME | $63,830 | -0.9% | $30.69/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in ME | $63,590 | -1.3% | $30.57/hr |
| Training and Development Specialist in ME | $65,680 | +1.9% | $31.58/hr |
| Insurance Sales Agent in ME | $62,920 | -2.4% | $30.25/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do chemists make in Maine?
- Chemists in Maine earn a median salary of $64,440 per year, or approximately $31 per hour. This is about 30% lower than the national average for chemists.
What is the salary range for chemists in Maine?
- Chemist salaries in Maine range from $50,640 at the lower end to $100,360 at the higher end, representing significant variation based on experience and specialization.
How many chemists are employed in Maine?
- There are currently 140 chemists employed in Maine, representing the total workforce in this occupation across the state.
Is chemistry a well-paid job in Maine compared to the US?
- Chemistry positions in Maine pay 30% less than the national average, with median earnings of $64,440 annually compared to higher national rates, making it a relatively lower-paying state for this profession.