Chemist Salary in Massachusetts
Based on 3K+ workers in Massachusetts
Median Annual Salary (MA)
$125,000
$60.10/hr
vs National Average
$92,010
+35.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$71K – $212K
3K employed in Massachusetts
Chemist salary in Massachusetts averages $125,000 annually, positioning the state as a top-paying region for chemistry professionals. With approximately 3,430 chemists employed across the state, Massachusetts offers compensation that runs 36 percent above the national average, reflecting strong demand in the region's robust pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and research sectors.
Several factors influence chemist salary in Massachusetts, including years of experience, educational credentials, and specific industry sector. Chemists working in pharmaceutical development or specialized research typically earn more than those in quality control roles. Geographic proximity to major research hubs like Boston and Cambridge, combined with the state's high cost of living, contributes to these elevated wage levels compared to other regions.
Salary Distribution — Chemist in Massachusetts
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $71,120 |
| 25th percentile | $85,830 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $125,000 |
| 75th percentile | $164,760 |
| 90th percentile | $212,210 |
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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Massachusetts) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $105,870 |
| 2023 | $108,220 |
| 2024 | $126,970 |
| 2025 | $125,000 |
| 2026 (projected) | $125,000 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Massachusetts Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $105,870 | $79,362 |
| 2023 | $108,220 | $83,812 |
| 2024 | $126,970 | $86,969 |
| 2025 | $125,000 | $92,010 |
| 2026 (projected) | $125,000 | $92,010 |
Chemist Salary by Experience Level in Massachusetts
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $85,830 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $125,000 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $164,760 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $212,210 |
Chemist Salary in Other States
Related Chemist Salaries in Massachusetts
How other high-demand occupations in Massachusetts compare to Chemist ($125,000 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Chemist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in MA | $131,600 | +5.3% | $63.27/hr |
| Medical Scientist in MA | $128,210 | +2.6% | $61.64/hr |
| Psychologist in MA | $115,180 | -7.9% | $55.38/hr |
| Geoscientist in MA | $108,210 | -13.4% | $52.02/hr |
| Physicist in MA | $106,410 | -14.9% | $51.16/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in MA | $100,640 | -19.5% | $48.38/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in MA | $99,780 | -20.2% | $47.97/hr |
| Personal Financial Advisor in MA | $125,670 | +0.5% | $60.42/hr |
| Actuary in MA | $126,040 | +0.8% | $60.60/hr |
| General and Operations Manager in MA | $127,220 | +1.8% | $61.16/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in MA | $127,570 | +2.1% | $61.33/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in MA | $127,720 | +2.2% | $61.40/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do chemists make in Massachusetts?
- Chemists in Massachusetts earn a median salary of $125,000 per year, or $60 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 35.9% premium for working in the state.
What is the salary range for chemists in Massachusetts?
- Chemist salaries in Massachusetts range from $71,120 at the lower end to $212,210 at the higher end, depending on experience, specialization, and employer.
Is Massachusetts a good state for chemist jobs?
- Yes, Massachusetts is an excellent state for chemists, with salaries 35.9% above the national average and approximately 3,430 chemists employed throughout the state, indicating a robust job market.
How many chemist jobs are available in Massachusetts?
- There are currently 3,430 chemists employed in Massachusetts, reflecting a strong and established chemistry job market in the state.