Chemist Salary & Career Insights

What is the average salary for a chemist in the United States?

$84,680 per year

According to the BLS.gov, the average salary for a chemist in the United States is $84,680 annually. The lowest salary is $52,950 annually, and the highest is $149,550 annually.

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

How Does a Chemist Salary Stack Up?

Both patent agents ($130K) and patent attorneys ($185K) make more money than chemists, who generally earn around $84K annually. If you pass the patent bar exam as a chemist, you can expect a much higher salary in a career in patent law.

Top Chemist Salaries by Industry

IndustryAverage 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
Annual mean wages.

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.

Average Education

According to onetonline.org, 56% of chemists have a Bachelor’s degree, 30% have a Doctoral degree, and 10% have a Master’s degree.

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.

CityAverage Salary
Washington, DC$138,060
San Francisco, CA$129,190
Midland, MI$125,140
Boston, MA$119,640
San Jose, CA$115,630
Annual mean wages.

Look at the average chemist salaries from top-paying states according to Bls.gov data.

StateAverage Salary
California$105,560
Pennsylvania$82,250
New Jersey$99,860
New York$94,170
North Carolina$86,920
Annual mean wages.

Related Careers

Patent Agent

Patent agents practice patent law before the USPTO.

Average of $130,168/year

Patent Attorney

Patent attorneys can practice patent law in addition to practicing law in jurisdictions where they are currently admitted.

Average of $185,351/year

Biochemists & Biophysicists

Study chemical composition or physical principles of living cells and organisms.

Average of $107,460/year

Job Openings in the United States


Free Video Series: Starting a Career in Patent Law and Passing the Patent Bar Exam.

Get the video series + receive study tips, special offers, and exam updates in our weekly newsletter.

    We won't send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time.