📖 Read the chemists salary & career guide →
Chemists Salary in California
Ranked #8 of 51 · CA
Salary Distribution (10th–90th percentile)
About 80% of chemistss in California earn between $60,930 and $164,150. The blue band is the middle 50% (P25–P75); the dot marks the median.
Compared to the U.S.
The mean chemists salary in California is $106,810, about 6.3% above the U.S. average ($100,450). That works out to roughly $51/hr at 2,080 hours per year.
Metro Areas in California
| Metro area | Median | Mean | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $127,790 | $130,870 | 2,180 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $114,890 | $121,350 | 580 |
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA | $97,570 | $105,620 | 190 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | $95,840 | $97,460 | 70 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $95,160 | $101,250 | 1,370 |
| Salinas, CA | $95,080 | $104,930 | 30 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $92,660 | $92,540 | 480 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | $92,240 | $100,440 | 80 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do chemists make in California?
The median chemists salary in California is $97,860 per year (mean $106,810), and about 80% earn between $60,930 and $164,150.
How much do chemists make per hour in California?
Roughly $51 per hour, based on a mean annual wage of $106,810 and 2,080 work hours per year.
Is California a high-paying state for chemists?
California ranks #8 of 51 states for chemists pay. Its mean salary of $106,810 is about 6.3% above the U.S. average of $100,450.
Which metro areas in California pay chemists the most?
The highest-paying metro areas in California for chemists are San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA ($127,790), San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($114,890), Bakersfield-Delano, CA ($97,570), by median annual wage.