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Analytical Chemist III Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Analytical Chemist III in the United States is $98,160 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $47.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $118,697
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $88,990 to $108,910
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $80,641
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Analytical Chemist III Salaries

A Analytical Chemist III'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 III'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
  • Intermediate Chemist (2-4 years): $80,996
  • Analytical Chemist III (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
Intermediate Chemist2-4 years$80,996
Analytical Chemist III4-7 years$98,152
Specialist Chemist7+ years$128,725
Expert Chemist7-10 years$150,304
View as Graph

How Do Analytical Chemist III 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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $108,680.
  • California: $108,270.
  • Massachusetts: $106,820.

Top Paying Cities for Analytical Chemist IIIs

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: $123,800
  • San Francisco: $122,450
  • Oakland: $119,870

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 12.68% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Analytical Chemistry (Mentioned in 2.31% Job Postings): Analytical chemistry studies and uses instruments and methods used to separate, identify, and quantify matter. In practice, separation, identification or quantification may constitute the entire analysis or be combined with another method. Separation isolates analytes. Qualitative analysis identifies analytes, while quantitative analysis determines the numerical amount or concentration. Analytical chemistry consists of classical, wet chemical methods and modern, instrumental methods. Classical qualitative methods use separations such as precipitation, extraction, and distillation. Identification may be based on differences in color, odor, melting point, boiling point, radioactivity or reactivity. Classical quantitative analysis uses mass or volume changes to quantify amount. Instrumental methods may be used to separate samples using chromatography, electrophoresis or field flow fractionation. Then qualitative and quantitative analysis can be performed, often with the same instrument and may use light interaction, heat interaction, electric fields or magnetic fields. Often the same instrument can separate, identify and quantify an analyte.
  • Laboratory Equipment (Mentioned in 1.51% Job Postings): Utilizing various tools and equipment to conduct scientific researches, teach practical science, or perform laboratory experiments.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 12.68%
Analytical Chemistry 2.31%
Laboratory Equipment 1.51%
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 III's salary.

  • Clinical Diagnostic: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
  • Authenticity: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
  • Collaboration: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Clinical Diagnostic $106,994
9%
Authenticity $106,013
8%
Collaboration $104,050
6%
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Analytical Chemist III Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Analytical Chemist III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $109,759. While startup companies pay approximate $92,932.

Analytical Chemist III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $92,932
Growth Stage 51~500 $98,257
Established 501~5000 $106,011
Enterprise 5000+ $109,759

Analytical Chemist III Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Analytical Chemist III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 42% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Analytical Chemist positions in Transportation or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Analytical Chemist III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Analytical Chemist III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$117,792$57.020%
Energy & Utilities$112,884$54.015%
Aerospace & Defense$109,939$53.012%
MFG Durable$107,976$52.010%
Chemicals$106,013$51.08%

How Education impacts a Analytical Chemist III's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Analytical Chemist IIIs enter the field with a Master's Degree or MBA 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 III with a Master's Degree or MBA is between $100,101 and $106,913).

Analytical Chemist III Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Analytical Chemist III
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.9%
High School 29.8%
Associates 0.9%
Bachelors 29.8%
Masters 31.5%
Doctorate 37.8%
View as Graph

Analytical Chemist III Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Analytical Chemist III'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
$88,990
Average $98,160/year
$108,910
$7,416
Average $8,180/month
$9,076
$1,711
Average $1,888/week
$2,094
$43
Average $47/hour
$52
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $108,910 $9,076 $2,094 $52
Average $98,160 $8,180 $1,888 $47
25th Percentile $88,990 $7,416 $1,711 $43

Analytical Chemist III Salary Growth & Career Path

Analytical Chemist III

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Analytical Chemist III, 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
Specialist Biologist $120,900 23%
Mine Geologist IV $109,200 11%
Specialist Geophysicist $156,300 59%
Hydrogeologist IV $143,100 46%

Most common benefits for Analytical Chemist III

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

Common company salaries for Analytical Chemist III

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

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FAQ about Analytical Chemist III

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

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Analytical Chemist III roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. Are analytical chemists in demand?

Analytical chemistry offers promising career prospects, with a growing demand for chemical analysis across various industries, including environmental testing and health and safety verification for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and FMCG products. Salaries for analytical chemists range from $95,660 to $119,560, with a median salary of $107,170, reflecting the value of their expertise.

3. Do you need a PhD to be an analytical chemist?

Typically, a bachelor's degree (BSc) in chemistry or a related science is required to become an analytical chemist. While a master's degree or PhD can enhance opportunities, especially in research roles, they are not essential. Salaries for analytical chemists range from $95,660 to $119,560, with a median salary of $107,170.

4. How much does a Chemist scientist earn in USA?

The estimated total pay for an Analytical Chemist in the USA ranges from $95,660 to $119,560 per year, with a mid-salary of $107,170. These figures reflect the salary range based on industry data, providing a clear picture of potential earnings in this field.

5. How to become an analytical chemist?

To become an analytical chemist, start by obtaining a bachelor's degree in analytical chemistry or a related field such as physics or microbiology. Gain laboratory experience through internships or research. Consider pursuing higher education for advanced opportunities. Networking is essential for career growth. The salary for analytical chemists ranges from $95,660 to $119,560, with a median of $107,170.

6. What is the highest salary in analytical chemistry?

The highest salary for an Analytical Chemist is $119,560. The top 10% of employees in this field earn more than $107,170 annually, while the top 1% earn above $119,560. This reflects the competitive nature of the profession and the value placed on expertise in analytical chemistry.

7. What is the salary of Phd chemist in USA?

The salary for an Analytical Chemist in the USA ranges from $95,660 to $119,560 per year, with a mid-salary of $107,170. This reflects the competitive compensation for professionals in this field, highlighting the value of expertise and experience in analytical chemistry.

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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