Chemist Salary in Maryland
Based on 2K+ workers in Maryland
Median Annual Salary (MD)
$140,670
$67.63/hr
vs National Average
$92,010
+52.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$75K – $195K
2K employed in Maryland
The median chemist salary in Maryland is $140,670 per year, significantly outpacing the national average by 53 percent. With approximately 2,480 chemists employed across the state, Maryland offers competitive compensation in this field. Salaries typically range from $75,430 to $195,190 annually, reflecting the variation in experience, specialization, and employer type within the profession.
Several factors influence chemist salary in Maryland, including education level, years of experience, and industry sector. Chemists working in pharmaceutical manufacturing, government research facilities, and specialized chemical companies tend to earn higher wages than those in academia or smaller firms. Geographic proximity to major research hubs and the ability to obtain advanced certifications also play meaningful roles in determining compensation within the state's chemistry workforce.
Salary Distribution — Chemist in Maryland
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $75,430 |
| 25th percentile | $103,840 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $140,670 |
| 75th percentile | $171,310 |
| 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 Maryland 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 Maryland vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Maryland) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $124,610 |
| 2023 | $124,170 |
| 2024 | $131,910 |
| 2025 | $140,670 |
| 2026 (projected) | $149,110 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Maryland Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $124,610 | $79,362 |
| 2023 | $124,170 | $83,812 |
| 2024 | $131,910 | $86,969 |
| 2025 | $140,670 | $92,010 |
| 2026 (projected) | $149,110 | $97,531 |
Chemist Salary by Experience Level in Maryland
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $103,840 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $140,670 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $171,310 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $195,190 |
Chemist Salary in Other States
Related Chemist Salaries in Maryland
How other high-demand occupations in Maryland compare to Chemist ($140,670 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Chemist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicist in MD | $174,390 | +24.0% | $83.84/hr |
| Geoscientist in MD | $110,510 | -21.4% | $53.13/hr |
| Medical Scientist in MD | $106,000 | -24.6% | $50.96/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in MD | $100,650 | -28.4% | $48.39/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in MD | $88,570 | -37.0% | $42.58/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in MD | $84,190 | -40.2% | $40.48/hr |
| Materials Engineer in MD | $140,640 | -0.0% | $67.62/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in MD | $140,120 | -0.4% | $67.37/hr |
| Information Security Analyst in MD | $139,640 | -0.7% | $67.13/hr |
| Lawyer in MD | $139,110 | -1.1% | $66.88/hr |
| Pharmacist in MD | $138,990 | -1.2% | $66.82/hr |
| Software Developer in MD | $138,680 | -1.4% | $66.67/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do chemists make in Maryland?
- The median salary for chemists in Maryland is $140,670 per year, or $68 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 52.9% premium for working in the state.
What is the salary range for chemists in Maryland?
- Chemist salaries in Maryland range from $75,430 at the lower end to $195,190 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and employer type within the state.
Is Maryland a good state for chemist salaries compared to the national average?
- Yes, Maryland offers chemists significantly above-average compensation at $140,670 median salary, which is 52.9% higher than the national average. This makes Maryland one of the more lucrative states for chemistry professionals.
How many chemists are employed in Maryland?
- There are approximately 2,480 chemists employed in Maryland. This represents a substantial professional community with established opportunities across various industries.