Chemists Salary in Seattle, WA

Updated 2024 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor StatisticsUSD $

Median Salary

$111,000

Average Salary

$122,000

Salary Range

$61,000 - $148,000

Est. Employment*

10,000

*Employment figures are estimates based on national occupational data distributed across metro areas. Actual local numbers may vary.

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Salary Distribution

Top 10%
$148,000
75th Percentile
$133,000
Median
$111,000
25th Percentile
$84,000
Bottom 10%
$61,000

10th to 90th percentile range. Half of all chemists earn between $84,000 and $133,000.

About Chemists in Seattle

Chemists apply the scientific method to study natural phenomena, human behavior, or social systems. Their research helps solve complex problems and informs evidence-based decision making across many fields.

In Seattle, chemists benefit from higher salaries that reflect the area's elevated cost of living. The area's major industries include Technology, Aerospace & Defense, Healthcare.

Key Skills

Laboratory TechniquesCritical ThinkingAttention to DetailPresentation SkillsGrant WritingPeer Review

Education

Master's or doctoral degree in a relevant scientific discipline

Many research positions require a master's or doctoral degree. Some entry-level technician roles may accept a bachelor's degree. Postdoctoral research experience is common for academic and senior research positions.

Tips to Earn More as a Chemists

1.Develop strong statistical analysis and programming skills (R, Python, SAS)
2.Pursue postdoctoral research opportunities for academic career advancement
3.Apply for research grants from government agencies and private foundations
4.Build a professional network through conferences and professional associations
5.Develop expertise in interdisciplinary research methods

Chemists Salary in Other Cities

CityMedianRangevs Seattle
San Jose, CA$119,000$65,000 - $159,000+7%
San Francisco, CA$118,000$65,000 - $158,000+6%
New York, NY$108,000$59,000 - $144,000-3%
Boston, MA$106,000$58,000 - $142,000-5%
Washington DC, DC$101,000$56,000 - $135,000-9%
Los Angeles, CA$97,000$58,000 - $126,000-13%
San Diego, CA$94,000$56,000 - $122,000-15%
Denver, CO$94,000$56,000 - $122,000-15%
Honolulu, HI$94,000$56,000 - $122,000-15%
Portland, OR$92,000$55,000 - $120,000-17%
Baltimore, MD$92,000$55,000 - $120,000-17%
Sacramento, CA$92,000$55,000 - $120,000-17%
Minneapolis, MN$91,000$55,000 - $118,000-18%
Austin, TX$91,000$55,000 - $118,000-18%
Anchorage, AK$91,000$55,000 - $118,000-18%
Philadelphia, PA$90,000$54,000 - $117,000-19%
Dallas, TX$89,000$53,000 - $116,000-20%
Hartford, CT$89,000$53,000 - $116,000-20%
Chicago, IL$87,000$52,000 - $113,000-22%
Raleigh, NC$87,000$52,000 - $113,000-22%
Atlanta, GA$85,000$51,000 - $110,000-23%
Salt Lake City, UT$85,000$51,000 - $110,000-23%
Houston, TX$84,000$50,000 - $109,000-24%
Charlotte, NC$84,000$50,000 - $109,000-24%
Nashville, TN$83,000$50,000 - $108,000-25%
Milwaukee, WI$83,000$50,000 - $108,000-25%
Richmond, VA$83,000$50,000 - $108,000-25%
Phoenix, AZ$82,000$49,000 - $107,000-26%
Detroit, MI$82,000$49,000 - $107,000-26%
Indianapolis, IN$82,000$49,000 - $107,000-26%
St. Louis, MO$82,000$49,000 - $107,000-26%
Kansas City, MO$82,000$49,000 - $107,000-26%
Toronto, ON$82,000$49,000 - $107,000-26%
Columbus, OH$81,000$49,000 - $105,000-27%
Miami, FL$80,000$48,000 - $104,000-28%
San Antonio, TX$80,000$48,000 - $104,000-28%
Pittsburgh, PA$80,000$48,000 - $104,000-28%
Jacksonville, FL$80,000$48,000 - $104,000-28%
Tampa, FL$79,000$47,000 - $103,000-29%
Cleveland, OH$79,000$47,000 - $103,000-29%
Cincinnati, OH$79,000$47,000 - $103,000-29%
Las Vegas, NV$78,000$47,000 - $101,000-30%
Orlando, FL$78,000$47,000 - $101,000-30%
Oklahoma City, OK$78,000$47,000 - $101,000-30%
Louisville, KY$78,000$47,000 - $101,000-30%
Vancouver, BC$78,000$47,000 - $101,000-30%
Buffalo, NY$77,000$46,000 - $100,000-31%
Birmingham, AL$77,000$46,000 - $100,000-31%
Memphis, TN$76,000$46,000 - $99,000-32%
New Orleans, LA$76,000$46,000 - $99,000-32%
Tucson, AZ$75,000$45,000 - $98,000-32%
Calgary, AB$75,000$45,000 - $98,000-32%
Ottawa, ON$74,000$44,000 - $96,000-33%
Edmonton, AB$71,000$43,000 - $92,000-36%
Montreal, QC$66,000$43,000 - $83,000-41%
Winnipeg, MB$64,000$42,000 - $81,000-42%
Hamilton, ON$64,000$42,000 - $81,000-42%
Quebec City, QC$62,000$40,000 - $78,000-44%
Halifax, NS$62,000$40,000 - $78,000-44%