Chemist Salary in Pennsylvania
Based on 7K+ workers in Pennsylvania
Median Annual Salary (PA)
$77,090
$37.06/hr
vs National Average
$92,010
-16.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$50K – $145K
7K employed in Pennsylvania
The median Chemist salary in Pennsylvania is $77,090 per year, placing it within a broad range of $49,800 to $144,860 annually. This median figure is notably 16% below the national average for the profession. Currently, there are approximately 6,800 chemists employed across the state, contributing to its scientific and industrial sectors.
Several factors influence the Chemist salary in Pennsylvania. Experience level plays a significant role, with entry-level positions typically earning less than those with advanced degrees or extensive practical knowledge. Geographic location within Pennsylvania, industry sector (such as pharmaceuticals or manufacturing), and specific employer all contribute to the wide salary range observed for chemists in the state.
Salary Distribution — Chemist in Pennsylvania
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $49,800 |
| 25th percentile | $62,430 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $77,090 |
| 75th percentile | $101,550 |
| 90th percentile | $144,860 |
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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Pennsylvania) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $65,990 |
| 2023 | $75,700 |
| 2024 | $63,450 |
| 2025 | $77,090 |
| 2026 (projected) | $81,715 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Pennsylvania Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $65,990 | $79,362 |
| 2023 | $75,700 | $83,812 |
| 2024 | $63,450 | $86,969 |
| 2025 | $77,090 | $92,010 |
| 2026 (projected) | $81,715 | $97,531 |
Chemist Salary by Experience Level in Pennsylvania
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $62,430 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $77,090 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $101,550 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $144,860 |
Chemist Salary in Other States
Related Chemist Salaries in Pennsylvania
How other high-demand occupations in Pennsylvania compare to Chemist ($77,090 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Chemist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicist in PA | $210,990 | +173.7% | $101.44/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in PA | $134,090 | +73.9% | $64.47/hr |
| Medical Scientist in PA | $99,190 | +28.7% | $47.69/hr |
| Psychologist in PA | $91,870 | +19.2% | $44.17/hr |
| Geoscientist in PA | $84,180 | +9.2% | $40.47/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in PA | $80,810 | +4.8% | $38.85/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in PA | $76,110 | -1.3% | $36.59/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in PA | $77,060 | -0.0% | $37.05/hr |
| Writer and Author in PA | $77,410 | +0.4% | $37.22/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in PA | $77,930 | +1.1% | $37.47/hr |
| Radiologic Technologist in PA | $76,050 | -1.3% | $36.56/hr |
| Computer Network Support Specialist in PA | $78,310 | +1.6% | $37.65/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a chemist in Pennsylvania?
- The median salary for a chemist in Pennsylvania is $77,090 per year, which breaks down to approximately $37 per hour. This is 16.2% lower than the national average salary for chemists.
What is the typical salary range for chemists in Pennsylvania?
- In Pennsylvania, the salary range for chemists generally falls between $49,800 and $144,860 annually. The median income sits at $77,090, with individual earnings varying based on experience and employer.
How many chemists are employed in Pennsylvania?
- There are approximately 6,800 chemists employed in Pennsylvania. This indicates a significant presence of the profession within the state's workforce.
Is the salary for chemists in Pennsylvania higher or lower than the national average?
- The median salary for chemists in Pennsylvania is $77,090 per year, which is 16.2% lower than the national average. This suggests that chemists in Pennsylvania typically earn less than their counterparts across the United States.