Salary Range — 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $58,750 | $28.24 |
| 25th percentile | $74,060 | $35.61 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $97,010 | $46.64 |
| 75th percentile | $128,060 | $61.57 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $164,640 | $79.15 |
| Mean (average) | $105,500 | $50.72 |
How California Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. California |
|---|---|---|
| California (current) | $97,010 | — |
| District of Columbia | $153,320 | +58% |
| New Mexico | $134,370 | +39% |
| Maryland | $131,910 | +36% |
| Massachusetts | $126,970 | +31% |
| Delaware | $125,430 | +29% |
| Louisiana | $109,150 | +13% |
| West Virginia | $108,010 | +11% |
| Texas | $101,260 | +4% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in California
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Education Administrators, All Other | $96,950 | 11,110 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers | $97,080 | 72,660 |
| Operations Research Analysts | $96,920 | 11,030 |
| Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $96,820 | 46,530 |
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health | $97,520 | 13,200 |
| Accountants and Auditors | $96,360 | 173,370 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Chemists salary in California?
The mean chemists salary in California is $105,500 per year. The median (middle) salary is $97,010 per year. Source: BLS OEWS 2024.
What is the starting salary for a Chemists in California?
Entry-level chemistss (10th percentile) in California typically earn around $58,750 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $74,060 per year.
What is the highest Chemists salary in California?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in California make approximately $164,640 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $128,060 per year.
How does the California Chemists salary compare to the national average?
The median chemists salary in California is $97,010, which is +15% above national average of $84,150.
Data Source: This data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics,
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, May 2024 release.
All wages are estimates. Actual salaries may vary based on experience, education,
employer, and other factors. bls.gov/oes