Chemists Salary in California
Chemists in California earn a median of $97,860 a year, +7% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $97,860
- vs. U.S. median
- +7% ($91,240)
- Rank among states
- 16 of 51
- Jobs in the state
- 9,820
Pay range in California
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $60,930; the top 10% earn over $164,150. Nationally the range is $58,460 to $160,830.
States ranked near California
Similar jobs in California
- Chemical Technicians$59,510 median in California
- Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians$60,010 median in California
- Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians$79,070 median in California (broader BLS group)
- Quality Control Analysts$78,350 median in California (broader BLS group)
- Materials Scientists$177,030 median in California
- Non-Destructive Testing Specialists$80,480 median in California (broader BLS group)
Chemists pay in California
How much do chemists make in California?
The median is $97,860 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $60,930 and the top 10% earn over $164,150. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is California a good state for chemists?
On pay alone it ranks 16 of 51 (+7% vs. the national median of $91,240). Living costs are not included.