Chemists Salary in the United States
As of May 2025, the median annual wage for chemists in the United States was $91,240 ($43.87 per hour), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OES survey.
Annual Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $58,460 | $28.11 |
| 25th | $69,460 | $33.39 |
| Median | $91,240 | $43.87 |
| 75th | $125,550 | $60.36 |
| 90th | $160,830 | $77.32 |
Quick Facts
- Occupational code: 19-2031
- Total U.S. employment: 82,770
- Jobs per 1,000: —
- Hourly salary breakdown
- All-state comparison
What this means
The mean wage of $100,450 sits 10.1% above the median — the typical worker earns close to the median, while a smaller group of higher earners pulls the average up.
Chemists Salary by State
The table below ranks every state by median annual wage. Click a state for detailed local data.
| State | Median Annual | Median Hourly | vs National | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $97,830 | $47.03 | +7.2% | 700 |
| Alaska | $106,010 | $50.96 | +16.2% | 60 |
| Arizona | $81,730 | $39.29 | -10.4% | 870 |
| Arkansas | $75,570 | $36.33 | -17.2% | 380 |
| California | $97,860 | $47.05 | +7.3% | 9,820 |
| Colorado | $101,980 | $49.03 | +11.8% | 1,790 |
| Connecticut | $98,140 | $47.18 | +7.6% | 1,170 |
| Delaware | $129,860 | $62.43 | +42.3% | 1,200 |
| District of Columbia | $149,860 | $72.05 | +64.2% | 280 |
| Florida | $82,740 | $39.78 | -9.3% | 1,490 |
| Georgia | $92,750 | $44.59 | +1.7% | 1,260 |
| Hawaii | $84,150 | $40.46 | -7.8% | 140 |
| Idaho | $78,000 | $37.50 | -14.5% | 320 |
| Illinois | $85,230 | $40.98 | -6.6% | 3,040 |
| Indiana | $78,770 | $37.87 | -13.7% | 2,480 |
| Iowa | $86,100 | $41.39 | -5.6% | 570 |
| Kansas | $82,820 | $39.82 | -9.2% | 690 |
| Kentucky | $84,090 | $40.43 | -7.8% | 530 |
| Louisiana | $103,890 | $49.95 | +13.9% | 740 |
| Maine | $64,440 | $30.98 | -29.4% | 140 |
| Maryland | $140,670 | $67.63 | +54.2% | 2,480 |
| Massachusetts | $125,000 | $60.09 | +37.0% | 3,430 |
| Michigan | $97,440 | $46.85 | +6.8% | 3,490 |
| Minnesota | $99,280 | $47.73 | +8.8% | 1,680 |
| Mississippi | $80,060 | $38.49 | -12.3% | 200 |
| Missouri | $82,800 | $39.81 | -9.3% | 1,640 |
| Montana | $61,890 | $29.76 | -32.2% | 300 |
| Nebraska | $74,890 | $36.00 | -17.9% | 350 |
| Nevada | $81,170 | $39.02 | -11.0% | 280 |
| New Hampshire | $100,050 | $48.10 | +9.7% | 300 |
| New Jersey | $84,450 | $40.60 | -7.4% | 5,280 |
| New Mexico | $126,960 | $61.04 | +39.1% | 280 |
| New York | $90,600 | $43.56 | -0.7% | 4,230 |
| North Carolina | $82,620 | $39.72 | -9.4% | 4,530 |
| North Dakota | $97,330 | $46.80 | +6.7% | 160 |
| Ohio | $85,270 | $41.00 | -6.5% | 4,010 |
| Oklahoma | $74,960 | $36.04 | -17.8% | 630 |
| Oregon | $104,590 | $50.28 | +14.6% | 730 |
| Pennsylvania | $77,090 | $37.06 | -15.5% | 6,800 |
| Rhode Island | $101,660 | $48.88 | +11.4% | 150 |
| South Carolina | $79,670 | $38.30 | -12.7% | 770 |
| South Dakota | $67,440 | $32.42 | -26.1% | 170 |
| Tennessee | $87,930 | $42.27 | -3.6% | 960 |
| Texas | $99,640 | $47.90 | +9.2% | 5,130 |
| Utah | $80,770 | $38.83 | -11.5% | 910 |
| Vermont | $86,120 | $41.40 | -5.6% | 80 |
| Virginia | $96,650 | $46.47 | +5.9% | 1,640 |
| Washington | $97,420 | $46.84 | +6.8% | 2,280 |
| West Virginia | $85,560 | $41.14 | -6.2% | 180 |
| Wisconsin | $78,730 | $37.85 | -13.7% | 1,920 |
| Wyoming | $102,000 | $49.04 | +11.8% | 80 |
Data source: BLS OES state file · U.S. BLS OES survey, May 2025
Related Occupations
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers — $53,750/yr
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers — $61,010/yr
- Driver/Sales Workers — $38,770/yr
- Billing and Posting Clerks — $48,500/yr
- Bus Drivers, School — $47,920/yr
- Counter and Rental Clerks — $41,300/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for chemists?
The median annual wage for chemists is $91,240 ($43.87 per hour), according to the BLS OES survey for May 2025.
Which state pays chemists the most?
Wages vary by state. Use the state table above to compare median annual pay across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
How many chemists are employed in the U.S.?
There are approximately 82,770 chemists employed nationally, per BLS OES.
How much do chemists make per hour?
The median hourly wage is $43.87. See the hourly salary page for the full percentile breakdown.