Chemists Salary in Portland-South Portland, ME
Chemists in Portland-South Portland, ME make a median of $58,750 a year, or about $28.25 an hour. The range runs from $43K at the entry level to $116K for experienced workers. Adjusted for local prices (RPP 101.86), that's roughly $57,677 in purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $2,130/month — about 55.5% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $59K get you in Portland-South Portland?
About chemists
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Portland-South Portland, ME
Entry-level chemists (10th percentile) start around $43K. Mid-career wages sit at $59K.Top earners bring in $116K or more - a $72K 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 Portland-South Portland numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do chemists make in Portland-South Portland, ME?
The median is $58,750 a year - that works out to about $28.25 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $43,090, and experienced chemists can clear $115,500. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $59K enough to live in Portland-South Portland?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,875/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,130/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 55% 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 Portland-South Portland?
Portland-South Portland has a Regional Price Parity of 101.86 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median chemists salary is worth about $57,677 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.