Chemist Salary in Michigan
Based on 3K+ workers in Michigan
Median Annual Salary (MI)
$97,440
$46.85/hr
vs National Average
$92,010
+5.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$56K – $164K
3K employed in Michigan
Chemist salary in Michigan averages $97,440 per year, which is 6% above the national average. The state currently employs approximately 3,490 chemists across various industries. Salaries in this field range from $56,260 at the entry level to $164,200 for experienced professionals, reflecting significant variation based on career progression and specialization.
Several factors influence chemist salary in Michigan, including years of experience, educational credentials, and industry sector. Employment settings such as pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and research institutions typically offer different compensation levels. Geographic location within the state, company size, and specialized certifications also play important roles in determining individual earning potential within this profession.
Salary Distribution — Chemist in Michigan
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $56,260 |
| 25th percentile | $66,490 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $97,440 |
| 75th percentile | $131,190 |
| 90th percentile | $164,200 |
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 Michigan 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 Michigan vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Michigan) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $83,250 |
| 2023 | $89,980 |
| 2024 | $81,410 |
| 2025 | $97,440 |
| 2026 (projected) | $103,286 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Michigan Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $83,250 | $79,362 |
| 2023 | $89,980 | $83,812 |
| 2024 | $81,410 | $86,969 |
| 2025 | $97,440 | $92,010 |
| 2026 (projected) | $103,286 | $97,531 |
Chemist Salary by Experience Level in Michigan
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $66,490 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $97,440 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $131,190 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $164,200 |
Chemist Salary in Other States
Related Chemist Salaries in Michigan
How other high-demand occupations in Michigan compare to Chemist ($97,440 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Chemist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in MI | $109,340 | +12.2% | $52.57/hr |
| Physicist in MI | $94,520 | -3.0% | $45.44/hr |
| Psychologist in MI | $84,730 | -13.0% | $40.74/hr |
| Medical Scientist in MI | $84,310 | -13.5% | $40.53/hr |
| Geoscientist in MI | $80,990 | -16.9% | $38.94/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in MI | $78,510 | -19.4% | $37.75/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in MI | $76,080 | -21.9% | $36.58/hr |
| Budget Analyst in MI | $96,430 | -1.0% | $46.36/hr |
| Web Developer in MI | $98,470 | +1.1% | $47.34/hr |
| Financial Analyst in MI | $95,420 | -2.1% | $45.88/hr |
| General and Operations Manager in MI | $99,530 | +2.1% | $47.85/hr |
| Registered Nurse in MI | $94,300 | -3.2% | $45.34/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do chemists make in Michigan?
- Chemists in Michigan earn a median salary of $97,440 per year, or approximately $47 per hour. This is 5.9% higher than the national average for chemists, making Michigan a competitive state for chemistry professionals.
What is the salary range for chemists in Michigan?
- Chemist salaries in Michigan range from $56,260 at the lower end to $164,200 at the higher end, reflecting differences in experience, specialization, and employer type.
How many chemists are employed in Michigan?
- There are approximately 3,490 chemists currently employed in Michigan, representing a significant professional workforce in the state's scientific and industrial sectors.
Is the chemist salary in Michigan above the national average?
- Yes, Michigan's median chemist salary of $97,440 is 5.9% above the national average, making it one of the better-paying states for chemistry professionals.