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Chemist Salary & Career Insights
What is the average salary for a chemist in the United States?
Our salary data comes from BLS.gov. The salaries presented here are the 2023 median pay.
Job Outlook & Work Environment
Job Outlook
🚀 87,200; estimated number of chemist jobs. It is estimated that 7,500 new jobs will be added by 2033.
☀️ The projected job outlook for chemists is 8%, which is faster than average.
Work Environment
💼 Chemists typically work in laboratories and offices conducting experiments and analyzing their results.
🏢 29% of chemists work in chemical manufacturing.
Chemist Salary in Comparison to Patent Law Salaries
Top Chemist Salaries by Industry
Industry | Average Salary |
---|---|
Oil and Gas Extraction | $173,360 |
Federal, State, and Local Government | $131,010 |
Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution | $118,710 |
Support Activities for Mining | $113,090 |
Management of Companies | $111,970 |
Salary by Chemist Industry
In the U.S., the average chemist salary is $84,680.
Top Chemist salaries by industry indicate that Oil and Gas Extraction offers the highest average salary at $173,360. This is followed by Federal, State, and Local Government with an average salary of $131,010, and Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution at $118,710.
Support Activities for Mining and Management of Companies provide average salaries of $113,090 and $111,970, respectively.
Experience & Education
Here are some typical daily activities of a chemist:
- Documenting/Recording Information — Capturing, transcribing, storing, or maintaining data in written, electronic, or magnetic formats.
- Analyzing Data or Information — Discovering core principles, reasons, or facts by breaking down data into distinct components.
- Getting Information — Collecting, observing, and acquiring data from all relevant sources.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Classifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in situations or events.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Evaluating information and assessing results to select the optimal solution and resolve issues.
Here are the typical skills you need to work as a chemist:
- Science — Applying scientific principles and techniques to address problems.
- Critical Thinking — Employing logic and reasoning to pinpoint strengths and weaknesses in various solutions, conclusions, or methods.
- Reading Comprehension — Grasping the meaning of written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
- Speaking — Effectively communicating information to others through speech.
- Active Listening — Fully concentrating on what others are saying, understanding their points, asking relevant questions, and avoiding inappropriate interruptions.
- Mathematics — Utilizing mathematical methods to resolve problems.
Knowledge required to work as a chemist:
- Chemistry — Understanding the chemical makeup, structure, and properties of substances, including the processes and transformations. This covers the use of chemicals, their interactions, hazard indicators, production methods, and disposal practices.
- English Language — Familiarity with the structure and content of English, including word meanings, spelling, composition rules, and grammar.
- Mathematics — Proficiency in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their practical applications.
- Production and Processing — Insight into raw materials, production methods, quality control, cost management, and strategies for efficient manufacturing and distribution.
- Administration and Management — Comprehension of business and management principles, including strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources, leadership techniques, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Top Chemist Salaries by Location
Factors that Impact Pay
The top city for chemist salaries is Washington, DC, with an average salary of $138,060. San Francisco, CA, follows with an average salary of $129,190, and Midland, MI, offers $125,140. Boston, MA, and San Jose, CA, round out the list with average salaries of $119,640 and $115,630, respectively.
California leads in chemist salaries with an average of $105,560. New Jersey and New York follow, offering average salaries of $99,860 and $94,170, respectively. Pennsylvania and North Carolina have lower averages, with $82,250 and $86,920, respectively.
Take a look at the average chemist salaries from top-paying cities according to Bls.gov data.
City | Average Salary |
---|---|
Washington, DC | $138,060 |
San Francisco, CA | $129,190 |
Midland, MI | $125,140 |
Boston, MA | $119,640 |
San Jose, CA | $115,630 |
Look at the average chemist salaries from top-paying states according to Bls.gov data.
State | Average Salary |
---|---|
California | $105,560 |
Pennsylvania | $82,250 |
New Jersey | $99,860 |
New York | $94,170 |
North Carolina | $86,920 |
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