Salary Range of a Chemist

Many chemists work at universities, in research and development departments in various industries, and in chemical manufacturing plants. Chemists can find opportunities in state and federal government in environmental agencies or even for the Central Intelligence Agency.

Starting Salary

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, starting salary offers in 2007 for college graduates in chemistry averaged about $41,500 per year.

Early Employment Figures

The PayScale salary survey website shows starting salary for chemists at about $40,000, with an increase to $50,000 with five years of experience.

Average Salary

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for chemists in 2008 was about $34 per hour, or $71,000 annually.

Salary Range

About 80 percent of chemists in 2008 were making between $38,000 and $113,000. Narrowing it further, the middle 50 percent, or median, had salaries between $48,000 and $90,000.

Common Employers

Many chemists work for pharmaceutical manufacturers, where they earn about the average, at $70,500 per year. Those working for scientific research and development services can expect an average of about $79,500.

Potential

Chemists working for oil and gas extraction companies were earning about $81,000 annually in 2008, and the federal government pays its chemists an average of about $98,000.

References

• Information from the BLS on chemist careers
• Chemist salary information from the BLS
• Chemist salary charts from PayScale