Analytical Chemist Average Salary & Hourly Rate in 2025
Understanding the analytical chemist salary is important for professionals considering a career in this field and for employers striving to attract and retain skilled talent. In 2025, the average annual salary for analytical chemists in the United States is $72,573 per year.
Salaries for analytical chemists can vary significantly based on factors such as experience, geographic location, and education level. This article provides an overview of analytical chemist salaries, key responsibilities, and the job outlook for this position in the coming years.
An Overview of Analytical Chemist Salaries
In the United States, the average analytical chemist salary in 2025 is $72,573 per year or $35 per hour, reflecting a 1.7% increase from the 2024 average salary of $71,360 reported in December 2024.
The typical analytical chemist salary ranges from $54,548 to $88,210, with most earnings reported between $62,560 and $80,180, according to recent data from Salary.com.
| Percentile | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10% | $54,548 |
| 25% | $62,560 |
| 50% | $71,360 |
| 75% | $80,180 |
| 90% | $88,210 |
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, analytical chemist salaries differ across industries. Chemists, including analytical chemists, working in chemical manufacturing can earn 29% more, while those in administrative and support and waste management and remediation services may earn only 3% more.
- Chemical manufacturing: 29%
- Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences: 19%
- Testing laboratories and services: 9%
- Federal government, excluding postal service: 6%
- Administrative and support and waste management and remediation services: 3%
Analytical Chemist Salary: Hourly, Weekly, Monthly, and Yearly Breakdown
The salary of analytical chemists can be divided into hourly, weekly, monthly, and yearly amounts. As of December 2024, the average rate for analytical chemists in the United States is $34 per hour or $5,947 per month.
- Average salary per hour: $34
- Average salary per week: $1,372
- Average salary per month: $5,947
- Average salary per year: $71,360
As mentioned, analytical chemist pay in the United States varies based on location, experience, and education. These factors are discussed below.
How Experience Impacts Analytical Chemist Salaries
The level of experience plays a significant role in the salary of analytical chemists in the United States. As shown in the list below, the salary differences across experience levels are notable.
Based on our data, the salary difference between an entry-level analytical chemist and an expert-level analytical chemist is around $3,400. It also shows that an expert-level analytical chemist earns an average of $70,613, while an entry-level analytical chemist only earns $67,188.
- Entry level analytical chemist: $67,188
- Intermediate level analytical chemist: $68,010
- Senior level analytical chemist: $69,963
- Specialist level analytical chemist: $70,353
- Expert level analytical chemist: $70,613
State-by-State Breakdown of Average Salaries for Analytical Chemists
Each state has different average salaries for analytical chemists due to the cost of living and demand. Based on the salary data, the District of Columbia offers the highest average annual salary for purchasing agents in the United States, at $79,430 per year. The second is California with $78,710 per year, followed by New Jersey at $78,210 per year.
| State | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $77,710 |
| Alabama | $65,580 |
| Arkansas | $65,010 |
| Arizona | $69,510 |
| California | $78,710 |
| Colorado | $72,790 |
| Connecticut | $76,640 |
| District of Columbia | $79,430 |
| Delaware | $72,430 |
| Florida | $67,790 |
| Georgia | $69,010 |
| Hawaii | $74,570 |
| Iowa | $68,290 |
| Idaho | $66,580 |
| Illinois | $73,000 |
| Indiana | $69,220 |
| Kansas | $67,940 |
| Kentucky | $67,150 |
| Louisiana | $67,870 |
| Massachusetts | $77,640 |
| Maryland | $73,570 |
| Maine | $69,440 |
| Michigan | $70,430 |
| Minnesota | $73,000 |
| Missouri | $68,010 |
| Mississippi | $63,660 |
| Montana | $66,650 |
| North Carolina | $68,510 |
| North Dakota | $70,650 |
| Nebraska | $67,220 |
| New Hampshire | $72,580 |
| New Jersey | $78,210 |
| New Mexico | $65,800 |
| Nevada | $71,650 |
| New York | $76,070 |
| Ohio | $69,790 |
| Oklahoma | $66,010 |
| Oregon | $72,500 |
| Pennsylvania | $71,220 |
| Rhode Island | $74,500 |
| South Carolina | $67,370 |
| South Dakota | $64,160 |
| Tennessee | $66,080 |
| Texas | $69,860 |
| Utah | $67,870 |
| Virginia | $71,580 |
| Vermont | $70,010 |
| Washington | $76,930 |
| Wisconsin | $70,510 |
| West Virginia | $64,230 |
| Wyoming | $68,440 |
Analytical Chemist Salaries: Top Earning Cities Revealed
According to our data, the top three paying cities for purchasing agent wages in the United States are San Jose ($89,560), San Francisco ($89,200), and Oakland ($87,060), all in California.
| Top Paying Cities | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $89,560 |
| San Francisco, CA | $89,200 |
| Oakland, CA | $87,060 |
| New York, NY | $83,350 |
| Queens Village, NY | $82,780 |
| Paramus, NJ | $82,210 |
| Passaic, NJ | $82,140 |
| Bergenfield, NJ | $82,070 |
| Stamford, CT | $81,920 |
| Huntington, NY | $81,350 |
Explore Analytical Chemist Benefits and Perks Beyond Salary
In addition to their base salary, analytical chemists receive a range of benefits and perks. According to data from Salary.com, the total compensation for analytical chemists includes benefits such as Social Security and 401(k)/403(b) plans.
- Social Security: $5,640
- 401K/403B plans: $3,097
- Disability insurance: $1,475
- Healthcare: $8,352
- Pension plan: $3,981
- Time Off (PTO): $9,074
Additionally, some organizations offer profit sharing as part of the total compensation package for analytical chemists. It is recommended to read the company's benefits package for more details.
Analytical Chemist Job Description: Roles and Responsibilities
The role of analytical chemists involves analyzing chemical data, monitoring laboratory results, and staying informed about advancements in chemical research. They must also have a deep understanding of the substances and processes they work with.
The analytical chemist job includes a variety of roles and responsibilities, such as:
- Plan and conduct research projects, such as developing products and testing methods.
- Direct technicians and staff in chemical analysis and testing, including determining ingredient compositions, mixing times, and operating conditions.
- Collaborate with engineers and scientists on experiments, product development, and production processes.
- Prepare solutions, compounds, and reagents for laboratory procedures.
- Analyze substances to determine their composition and element concentration.
- Conduct tests on materials to ensure safety and quality standards are met.
- Write technical reports detailing methods, findings, and conclusions.
- Present research findings to scientists, engineers, and colleagues.
When and How to Ask for a Raise as an Analytical Chemist
As an analytical chemist, your work in research, product quality, and innovation helps your company grow. If you think you deserve a raise, here’s a simple way to ask for one:
- Build your case: Collect examples of your work, such as successful projects, improvements in testing procedures, or contributions that have driven product development. Compare your current salary to industry norms or similar positions to identify any pay disparities.
- Pick the right moment: Ask for a raise when the company is thriving or after a notable accomplishment, like completing a major project. Performance review periods are also ideal.
- Set up a meeting: Arrange a formal meeting with your supervisor instead of casually bringing it up. This ensures the conversation is focused and taken seriously.
- Present your case with confidence: Highlight the value you bring to the company, including your research, analysis, and problem-solving efforts. Be clear about your salary expectations and stay positive, no matter the outcome.
Why Does Analytical Chemist Make So Much?
Analytical chemists make a good salary because they identify the components of substances and study how they interact. Some focus on creating new testing methods. Their work is also important for food safety and pollution control.
This requires expertise in lab techniques and technology. According to the BLS, key skills for an analytical chemist include:
- Analytical skills
- Communication skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Math skills
- Organizational skills
- Perseverance
- Problem-solving skills
- Time-management skills
Also, certain skills can increase earning potential. According to our Real-time Job Posting Salary Data solution, analytical chemists with research design skills can earn 12.08% more than those who don't. Also, organic chemistry skills can lead to an 11.96% salary increase.
- Research design: +12.08% salary increase
- Organic chemistry: +11.96% salary increase
- Product development: +7.35% salary increase
- Chemical analysis: +6.53% salary increase
- Good laboratory practice (GLP): +4.02% salary increase
- Quality control: +3.91% salary increase
- Chemical engineering: +3.01% salary increase
- Spectroscopy: +2.20% salary increase
The Future of Analytical Chemist: Job Outlook and Career Trends
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for chemists and materials scientists is projected to grow by 8 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. Around 7,800 job openings are expected annually, mainly due to workers retiring or transitioning to other fields.
Demand for chemists and materials scientists will grow due to innovations in fields like nanotechnology and biomaterials. Chemists will work on developing new medicines and improving food safety, while materials scientists will create affordable, high-quality materials for industries like electronics, energy, and transportation.
