Chemists Salary in California
Chemists in California make a median of $97,010 a year, or about $46.64 an hour. The range runs from $59K at the entry level to $165K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $97K get you in California?
About chemists
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, California
Entry-level chemists (10th percentile) start around $59K. Mid-career wages sit at $97K.Top earners bring in $165K or more - a $106K spread from bottom to top.
Chemists pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $153K | +82% | 250 |
| New Mexico | $134K | +60% | 210 |
| Maryland | $132K | +57% | 3,000 |
| Massachusetts | $127K | +51% | 3,340 |
| Delaware | $125K | +49% | 1,180 |
| Louisiana | $109K | +30% | 630 |
| West Virginia | $108K | +28% | 270 |
| Texas | $101K | +20% | 5,490 |
| Virginia | $100K | +19% | 1,340 |
| Rhode Island | $97K | +16% | 120 |
| Illinois | $97K | +15% | 3,250 |
| California | $97K | +15% | 8,480 |
| Alabama | $96K | +14% | 630 |
| Alaska | $95K | +13% | 40 |
| Georgia | $95K | +13% | 1,080 |
Track chemists salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when California numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do chemists make in California?
The median is $97,010 a year - that works out to about $46.64 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $58,750, and experienced chemists can clear $164,640. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $97K enough to live in California?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $5,956/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $2,201/month (median of metro areas), which eats 37% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a chemists salary go in California?
California has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median chemists salary is worth about $97,010 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do chemists get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.