Chemist Salary in Washington
Based on 2K+ workers in Washington
Median Annual Salary (WA)
$97,420
$46.84/hr
vs National Average
$92,010
+5.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$63K – $165K
2K employed in Washington
The average Chemist salary in Washington sits at $97,420 per year, placing it approximately 6% above the national average. With 2,280 chemists employed in the state, this field offers a substantial earning potential, with salaries typically ranging from $62,690 to $165,090 annually.
Several factors influence the Chemist salary in Washington, including years of experience, specific industry (pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, research), and advanced degrees. Location within Washington, such as proximity to major tech or biotech hubs, can also command higher salaries. The demand for specialized skills within chemistry also plays a significant role.
Salary Distribution — Chemist in Washington
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $62,690 |
| 25th percentile | $77,390 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $97,420 |
| 75th percentile | $128,500 |
| 90th percentile | $165,090 |
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 Washington 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 Washington vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Washington) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $86,290 |
| 2023 | $83,760 |
| 2024 | $92,860 |
| 2025 | $97,420 |
| 2026 (projected) | $102,204 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Washington Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $86,290 | $79,362 |
| 2023 | $83,760 | $83,812 |
| 2024 | $92,860 | $86,969 |
| 2025 | $97,420 | $92,010 |
| 2026 (projected) | $102,204 | $96,528 |
Chemist Salary by Experience Level in Washington
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $77,390 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $97,420 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $128,500 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $165,090 |
Chemist Salary in Other States
Related Chemist Salaries in Washington
How other high-demand occupations in Washington compare to Chemist ($97,420 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Chemist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicist in WA | $134,790 | +38.4% | $64.80/hr |
| Psychologist in WA | $115,240 | +18.3% | $55.40/hr |
| Medical Scientist in WA | $105,680 | +8.5% | $50.81/hr |
| Geoscientist in WA | $105,020 | +7.8% | $50.49/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in WA | $100,990 | +3.7% | $48.55/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in WA | $98,840 | +1.5% | $47.52/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in WA | $98,300 | +0.9% | $47.26/hr |
| Instructional Coordinator in WA | $97,250 | -0.2% | $46.75/hr |
| Operations Research Analyst in WA | $98,030 | +0.6% | $47.13/hr |
| Budget Analyst in WA | $96,640 | -0.8% | $46.46/hr |
| Accountant in WA | $96,550 | -0.9% | $46.42/hr |
| Electrician in WA | $95,220 | -2.3% | $45.78/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary for a chemist in Washington?
- The median salary for chemists in Washington is $97,420 per year, or approximately $47 per hour. This means half of chemists in the state earn more than this, and half earn less.
How does the average chemist salary in Washington compare to the national average?
- Chemists in Washington earn approximately 5.9% more than the national average. This suggests that the cost of living and demand for chemists in Washington are higher than the national trend.
What is the salary range for chemists working in Washington state?
- The salary range for chemists in Washington varies significantly, from $62,690 on the lower end to $165,090 at the top of the scale. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and employer.
How many chemists are employed in Washington?
- There are approximately 2,280 chemists employed in Washington state. This indicates a solid job market for this profession within the state.