Chemists Salary in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Median annual salary $145,430 +72.8% vs national
Median hourly $69.92
10th percentile $82,760
90th percentile $191,880
Employed locally 2,640
National median $84,150

Compare Chemists salary & buying power

Type a city below to see how Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV stacks up on salary and cost of living.

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Chemists
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Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $82,760
    25th
    $110,580
    50th (median)
    $145,430
    75th
    $176,550
    90th
    $191,880

    Washington economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $123,896 2023 • Census ACS
    Chemists salary vs area income 117% Median Chemists salary is 17% above the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Chemists

    Metro areaMedian salary
    District of Columbia $153,320
    Albuquerque, NM $137,740
    New Mexico $134,370
    Maryland $131,910
    Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH $130,830
    Lake Charles, LA $130,770

    Related occupations in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV

    OccupationMedian salary
    Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other $137,610
    Biological Scientists, All Other $105,580
    Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $112,120
    Economists $157,980
    Political Scientists $153,340
    Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health $109,520

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Chemists make per hour in Washington?

    The median hourly wage for Chemists in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV is $69.92, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $93.84 or more per hour.

    Is Washington above or below average for Chemists salaries?

    The median Chemists salary in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV is 72.8% above the national median of $84,150. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Chemists in Washington?

    Entry-level Chemists (10th percentile) earn around $82,760 per year in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $110,580.