Chemist Salary in North Carolina
Based on 5K+ workers in North Carolina
Median Annual Salary (NC)
$82,620
$39.72/hr
vs National Average
$92,010
-10.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$58K – $132K
5K employed in North Carolina
The median Chemist salary in North Carolina is $82,620 per year, which is approximately 10% below the national average. This figure represents the midpoint of earnings, with most chemists in the state earning between $58,170 and $132,020 annually. Currently, around 4,530 chemists are employed across North Carolina.
Several factors influence the Chemist salary in North Carolina. These include the specific industry a chemist works in, such as pharmaceuticals or manufacturing, their level of experience, and their educational qualifications, including advanced degrees. Location within North Carolina, particularly proximity to research hubs or major industrial centers, can also impact earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Chemist in North Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $58,170 |
| 25th percentile | $66,760 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $82,620 |
| 75th percentile | $106,240 |
| 90th percentile | $132,020 |
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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (North Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $75,390 |
| 2023 | $79,450 |
| 2024 | $78,400 |
| 2025 | $82,620 |
| 2026 (projected) | $87,067 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | North Carolina Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $75,390 | $79,362 |
| 2023 | $79,450 | $83,812 |
| 2024 | $78,400 | $86,969 |
| 2025 | $82,620 | $92,010 |
| 2026 (projected) | $87,067 | $96,963 |
Chemist Salary by Experience Level in North Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $66,760 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $82,620 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $106,240 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $132,020 |
Chemist Salary in Other States
Related Chemist Salaries in North Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in North Carolina compare to Chemist ($82,620 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Chemist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicist in NC | $174,180 | +110.8% | $83.74/hr |
| Medical Scientist in NC | $102,980 | +24.6% | $49.51/hr |
| Geoscientist in NC | $95,260 | +15.3% | $45.80/hr |
| Psychologist in NC | $92,130 | +11.5% | $44.29/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in NC | $82,220 | -0.5% | $39.53/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in NC | $81,230 | -1.7% | $39.05/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in NC | $74,130 | -10.3% | $35.64/hr |
| Budget Analyst in NC | $82,350 | -0.3% | $39.59/hr |
| Accountant in NC | $82,050 | -0.7% | $39.45/hr |
| Computer Programmer in NC | $81,070 | -1.9% | $38.98/hr |
| Tax Examiner in NC | $80,900 | -2.1% | $38.89/hr |
| Registered Nurse in NC | $84,350 | +2.1% | $40.55/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a chemist in North Carolina?
- The median salary for chemists in North Carolina is $82,620 per year, which translates to approximately $40 per hour. This figure is 10.2% lower than the national average salary for chemists.
How much do chemists typically earn in North Carolina?
- The salary range for chemists in North Carolina is quite broad, with most earning between $58,170 and $132,020 annually. The median salary sits at $82,620 per year.
What is the hourly rate for a chemist in North Carolina?
- Chemists in North Carolina earn a median hourly wage of $40. This is derived from the annual median salary of $82,620. Keep in mind that the full salary range can go from $58,170 to $132,020 annually.
How many chemists are employed in North Carolina?
- There are approximately 4,530 chemists employed in North Carolina. This number reflects the current job market for this profession within the state.