Chemists Salary in Philadelphia, PA-NJ-DE-MD

In Philadelphia and surrounding areas (PA-NJ-DE-MD), chemists earn a median annual salary of $76,620, which translates to about $36.84 per hour. This figure is notably lower than the national median for chemists, which stands at $84,150. When compared to the local median household income of $89,273, it becomes evident that while a chemist's earnings are competitive within their professional field, they still fall slightly below the broader economic benchmark for households in the region. The difference between a chemist’s salary and local household income may be influenced by various factors including industry-specific demand, cost of living adjustments, or differences in employment opportunities across sectors.

Entry-level chemists in this region typically earn around $55,230 annually, as indicated by the 10th percentile mark, while those at the 25th percentile make approximately $60,770. In contrast, experienced chemists who have progressed to the 75th percentile see their earnings rise significantly to about $119,070 per year, with top earners at the 90th percentile making upwards of $142,410 annually. This substantial salary variance is driven by factors such as accumulated expertise, specialization in high-demand areas like pharmaceuticals or environmental chemistry, and additional responsibilities often associated with senior roles. Furthermore, higher education credentials and industry-specific certifications can contribute to elevated earnings for experienced chemists.