How to Become a Chemists in Pennsylvania
Chemists in Pennsylvania earn a median salary of $63,450/year, which is 25% below the national average. Pennsylvania has a state income tax of ~3.1%. After taxes and rent, a chemists takes home approximately $2,844/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.
What a chemists can afford in Pennsylvania
Becoming a chemists in Pennsylvania
Meet education requirements
Chemists positions in Pennsylvania typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Pennsylvania. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many chemists positions in Pennsylvania require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain Pennsylvania licensure or certification
Pennsylvania may require specific licensing or professional certification for chemistss. Requirements vary by state — contact the Pennsylvania Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania employs 9,070 chemists. The highest concentrations are in State College and York-Hanover.
Chemists salary by metro area in Pennsylvania
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| State College | $102K | $49.06/hr | 60 |
| York-Hanover | $81K | $39.18/hr | 120 |
| Scranton--Wilkes-Barre | $80K | $38.44/hr | 90 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington | $77K | $36.84/hr | 5,690 |
| Lebanon | $75K | $36.25/hr | 80 |
| Reading | $75K | $36.17/hr | 100 |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton | $74K | $35.37/hr | 460 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle | $65K | $31.05/hr | 180 |
| Johnstown | $50K | $24.04/hr | — |
Chemists salary range in Pennsylvania
Chemists careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a chemists make in Pennsylvania?▼
The median chemists salary in Pennsylvania is $63,450 per year ($30.51/hr). This is 25% below the national median of $84,150. Salaries range from $47,180 to $128,480.
What are the requirements to become a chemists in Pennsylvania?▼
Chemists positions in Pennsylvania typically require Bachelor's degree. Pennsylvania may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Pennsylvania licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a chemists afford to live in Pennsylvania?▼
At the median salary of $63,450, a chemists in Pennsylvania would take home approximately $4,256/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 33.2% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for chemists in Pennsylvania?▼
The highest paying metro areas for chemists in Pennsylvania are State College ($102,050), York-Hanover ($81,490), Scranton--Wilkes-Barre ($79,950). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does Pennsylvania have state income tax for chemists?▼
Yes, Pennsylvania has a state income tax rate of approximately 3.1%. On a $63,450 salary, this means roughly $1,948/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.