Chemist Salary in Virginia
Based on 2K+ workers in Virginia
Median Annual Salary (VA)
$96,650
$46.47/hr
vs National Average
$92,010
+5.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$53K – $166K
2K employed in Virginia
The Chemist salary in Virginia presents a strong opportunity, with a median income of $96,650 annually. This figure significantly outpaces the national average by 5%, indicating a favorable market for chemists within the state. Currently, approximately 1,640 individuals are employed in this field across Virginia.
Several factors can influence a Chemist salary in Virginia, including years of experience, specific industry, and educational attainment. Those working in specialized fields like pharmaceuticals or research and development may command higher salaries than general chemists. Location within Virginia, whether in a major metropolitan area or a more rural setting, can also play a role in salary expectations, alongside the specific responsibilities of the role.
Salary Distribution — Chemist in Virginia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $52,870 |
| 25th percentile | $65,980 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $96,650 |
| 75th percentile | $136,660 |
| 90th percentile | $166,230 |
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 Virginia 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 Virginia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Virginia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $85,260 |
| 2023 | $93,480 |
| 2024 | $99,810 |
| 2025 | $96,650 |
| 2026 (projected) | $96,650 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Virginia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $85,260 | $79,362 |
| 2023 | $93,480 | $83,812 |
| 2024 | $99,810 | $86,969 |
| 2025 | $96,650 | $92,010 |
| 2026 (projected) | $96,650 | $92,010 |
Chemist Salary by Experience Level in Virginia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $65,980 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $96,650 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $136,660 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $166,230 |
Chemist Salary in Other States
Related Chemist Salaries in Virginia
How other high-demand occupations in Virginia compare to Chemist ($96,650 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Chemist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicist in VA | $145,040 | +50.1% | $69.73/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in VA | $105,780 | +9.4% | $50.86/hr |
| Medical Scientist in VA | $93,620 | -3.1% | $45.01/hr |
| Geoscientist in VA | $88,390 | -8.5% | $42.50/hr |
| Psychologist in VA | $86,520 | -10.5% | $41.60/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in VA | $86,030 | -11.0% | $41.36/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in VA | $82,230 | -14.9% | $39.53/hr |
| Speech-Language Pathologist in VA | $96,250 | -0.4% | $46.27/hr |
| Civil Engineer in VA | $97,120 | +0.5% | $46.69/hr |
| Logistician in VA | $98,920 | +2.3% | $47.56/hr |
| Registered Nurse in VA | $93,600 | -3.2% | $45.00/hr |
| Accountant in VA | $93,290 | -3.5% | $44.85/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary for a chemist in Virginia?
- The median salary for a chemist in Virginia is $96,650 per year, which equates to about $46 per hour. This median figure falls within a broad salary range of $52,870 to $166,230 annually.
How does a chemist's salary in Virginia compare to the national average?
- Chemist salaries in Virginia are 5.0% higher than the national average. This means that the median salary of $96,650 per year in Virginia is a more competitive rate compared to the rest of the country.
What is the salary range for chemists working in Virginia?
- In Virginia, chemists can expect to earn anywhere from $52,870 on the lower end to $166,230 on the higher end annually. The median salary of $96,650 provides a central point within this wide spectrum.
How many chemists are employed in Virginia?
- There are approximately 1,640 chemists currently employed in Virginia. This number reflects the overall demand and opportunities for the profession within the state.