Analytical Chemistry Salaries
The analytical chemist spends her days examining chemical properties. The discoveries that she makes are used to improve existing products or develop new ones. At the very least, analytical chemists have a bachelor's degree, but according to the Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics, most research scientists have advanced degrees such as a master's or Ph.D., and enjoy more numerous employment opportunities.
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May 2008 Median Annual Wages
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According to the BLS, a May 2008 survey indicated that overall, analytical chemists earned a median average salary of $66,230. However, where the chemist worked greatly affects median income. For example, the federal executive branch pays chemists a median salary of $95,690, but architectural and engineering-service companies pay a median salary of $51,180. Many chemists work at pharmaceutical and medicinal manufacturing companies, however; their earnings are closer to the median, at $66,520.
Where They Work in 2010
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The Bureau of Labor Statistics conducted a less-comprehensive survey in 2010, and according to this survey's results, most analytical chemists work at scientific research-and-development service companies, pharmaceutical companies and engineering companies. Of these sectors, the scientific research companies average the highest pay, with a mean wage of $81,490. Note that the 2008 data used the median -- or middle -- wage. Again, the federal executive branch paid among the highest wages, averaging $104,210. However, the oil and gas industry narrowly beat the government by offering a mean annual wage of $105,960.
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Where The Jobs Are
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California has the highest number of analytical chemists, with well over 10,000. They also averaged the highest in wages, at $81,240. New Jersey, home to many of the nation's leading pharmaceutical companies, has the second-highest number of chemists on the tax rolls. The 5,640 garden-state chemists average $76,190. Texas, Pennsylvania and New York follow closely behind, averaging between $68,940 and $74,430 in wages. Oregon, Montana, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Michigan and West Virginia analytical chemists earned the least nationwide, averaging approximately $59,000 or less.
Best-Paying Metro and Non-Metro Areas
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Want to earn more as an analytical chemist? Move to Bethesda, Maryland. Earnings for Maryland chemists average $113,110. Other top-paying metro areas include Washington, D.C.; Bakersfield, California; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Peoria, Illinois; and San Francisco. North Carolina and Massachusetts also offered opportunities to earn well above the national average. East Idaho chemists average $102,560, and Nevada chemists earn $78,280. Before you pack your bags, keep in mind that salaries for this type of work are often industry-specific and may require years of postgraduate education and experience. Nevertheless, working as an analytical chemist can provide a terrific opportunity to earn a nice living.
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References
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