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Analytical Chemist II Salary in the United States

How much does a Analytical Chemist II make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Analytical Chemist II in the United States is $81,000 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.

However, a Analytical Chemist II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $95,424
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $70,570 to $88,550
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $61,074
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Analytical Chemist II Salaries

A Analytical Chemist II's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Analytical Chemist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Analytical Chemist II's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry Chemist (0-2 years): $65,304
  • Analytical Chemist II (2-4 years): $80,996
  • Senior Chemist (4-7 years): $98,152
  • Specialist Chemist (7+ years): $128,725
  • Expert Chemist (7-10 years): $150,304
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Entry Chemist0-2 years$65,304
Analytical Chemist II2-4 years$80,996
Senior Chemist4-7 years$98,152
Specialist Chemist7+ years$128,725
Expert Chemist7-10 years$150,304
View as Graph

How Do Analytical Chemist II Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Analytical Chemist IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $89,680.
  • California: $89,340.
  • Massachusetts: $88,150.

Top Paying Cities for Analytical Chemist IIs

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $102,170
  • San Francisco: $101,050
  • Oakland: $98,920

What Skills Can Increase a Analytical Chemist II's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 13.39% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Calibration (Mentioned in 2.82% Job Postings): In measurement technology and metrology, calibration is the comparison of measurement values delivered by a device under test with those of a calibration standard of known accuracy. Such a standard could be another measurement device of known accuracy, a device generating the quantity to be measured such as a voltage, a sound tone, or a physical artefact, such as a metre ruler. The outcome of the comparison can result in one of the following: no significant error being noted on the device under test a significant error being noted but no adjustment made an adjustment made to correct the error to an acceptable levelStrictly speaking, the term "calibration" means just the act of comparison, and does not include any subsequent adjustment. The calibration standard is normally traceable to a national standard held by a national metrological body.
  • LIMS (Mentioned in 1.56% Job Postings): A Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is software that allows you to effectively manage samples and associated data.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 13.39%
Calibration 2.82%
LIMS 1.56%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Analytical Chemist II's salary.

  • Authenticity: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Collaboration: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Clinical Diagnostic: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Authenticity $85,050
5%
Collaboration $85,050
5%
Clinical Diagnostic $84,240
4%
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Analytical Chemist II Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Analytical Chemist II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $90,573. While startup companies pay approximate $76,662.

Analytical Chemist II Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $76,662
Growth Stage 51~500 $81,063
Established 501~5000 $87,473
Enterprise 5000+ $90,573

Analytical Chemist II Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Analytical Chemist II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 120% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 60% above the average. In contrast, Analytical Chemist positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Analytical Chemist II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Analytical Chemist II

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$129,600$62.060%
Pharmaceuticals$113,400$55.040%
Financial Services$105,300$51.030%
Business Services$101,250$49.025%
MFG Nondurable$97,200$47.020%

How Education impacts a Analytical Chemist II's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Analytical Chemist IIs enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Analytical Chemist II with a Bachelor's Degree is between $79,795 and $85,259).

Analytical Chemist II Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Analytical Chemist II
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.6%
High School 0.6%
Associates 0.9%
Bachelors 62.3%
Masters 27.3%
Doctorate 8.9%
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Analytical Chemist II Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Analytical Chemist II's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$70,570
Average $81,000/year
$88,550
$5,881
Average $6,750/month
$7,379
$1,357
Average $1,558/week
$1,703
$34
Average $39/hour
$43
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $88,550 $7,379 $1,703 $43
Average $81,000 $6,750 $1,558 $39
25th Percentile $70,570 $5,881 $1,357 $34

Analytical Chemist II Salary Growth & Career Path

Analytical Chemist II

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Analytical Chemist II, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Senior Biologist $83,500 3%
Mine Geologist III $85,600 6%
Senior Geophysicist $141,500 75%
Hydrogeologist III $113,100 40%

Most common benefits for Analytical Chemist II

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Analytical Chemist II

Here are companies hiring for Analytical Chemist II and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Analytical Chemist II

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Analytical Chemist II?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Analytical Chemist II roles, with salaries approximately 60% above the market median.

2. What type of chemist makes the most money?

Analytical Chemists earn a competitive salary, with a range from $75,370 to $96,820 annually. While other chemist roles like Medicinal Chemists and Wet Chemistry Analysts may command higher salaries, Analytical Chemists play a crucial role in research and quality control, making their expertise highly valuable in the industry.

3. Which field in chemistry has the highest salary?

Forensic chemistry offers some of the highest salaries in the field, with positions such as medical examiners and forensic engineers earning between $75,370 and $96,820 annually. If you're seeking a rewarding and well-paying career in chemistry, forensic chemistry is an excellent choice.

4. Are chemists in demand in the US?

Yes, chemists are in demand in the US, with an estimated 87,100 currently employed. The job market for chemists is projected to grow by 6.2% from 2022 to 2032. Salaries for analytical chemists range from $75,370 to $96,820, with a median salary of $85,230, reflecting the growing need for skilled professionals in this field.

5. What is the job demand for analytical chemists?

The job demand for analytical chemists is strong, with a projected growth of 6% through 2032, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This translates to about 7,200 job openings annually. Salaries for analytical chemists range from $75,370 to $96,820, with a median salary of $85,230, reflecting the value of their expertise in the field.

6. Which branch of chemistry has the highest salary?

In analytical chemistry, salaries range from $75,370 to $96,820, with a median of $85,230. While chemical engineering often offers higher salaries, specialized roles in analytical chemistry can also be lucrative, especially in research and industry positions, making it a competitive field for earning potential.

7. Is analytical chemistry tough?

Many analytical chemistry students find the separation and identification of substances challenging due to extensive calculations and analyses. However, staying committed to your instrumentation units is the best way to master this subject. Additionally, pursuing a career in this field can be rewarding, with salaries ranging from $75,370 to $96,820, depending on experience and expertise.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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