As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for an Intermediate Chemist in the United States is $80,900 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.
However, an Intermediate Chemist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Intermediate Chemist'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.
Experience is a primary driver of an Intermediate Chemist'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Intermediate Chemist | $77,485 |
| Intermediate Level Intermediate Chemist | $77,796 |
| Senior Level Intermediate Chemist | $81,460 |
| Specialist Level Intermediate Chemist | $84,594 |
| Expert Level Intermediate Chemist | $84,818 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Intermediate Chemists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 13.39% |
| Calibration | 2.82% |
| LIMS | 1.56% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Authenticity
|
$84,945 |
5%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$84,945 |
5%
|
|
Clinical Diagnostic
|
$84,136 |
4%
|
|
Presentation
|
$84,136 |
4%
|
|
Leadership
|
$83,327 |
3%
|
|
Material Science
|
$83,327 |
3%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Intermediate Chemists 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 an Intermediate Chemist with a Bachelor's Degree is between $79,833 and $85,276).
Intermediate Chemist Salaries by Degree Level
| 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% |
Understanding how an Intermediate Chemist'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 January 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Intermediate Chemist, 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 | $85,800 | 6% |
| Senior Geophysicist | $141,300 | 75% |
| Microbiologist, Senior | $83,200 | 3% |
Salaries for an Intermediate Chemist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $64,873 in 2023 to around $64,551 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Intermediate Chemist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $64,873 |
| 2024 | $64,758 |
| 2025 | $64,551 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A PhD in chemistry in the US typically earns a salary ranging from $75,400 to $96,900, with a median salary of approximately $85,300. Salaries can vary based on factors such as experience, location, and the specific industry in which one is employed.
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 intermediate chemists range from $75,400 to $96,900, with a median salary of $85,300, reflecting the increasing need for skilled professionals in the field.
The lowest pay for an Intermediate Chemist is $75,400 annually. Salaries typically range from this minimum up to a mid-level salary of $85,300, with top earners making as much as $96,900. This reflects the competitive nature of the field and the value placed on experienced chemists.
Chemists in the US earn between $75,400 and $96,900 annually, with a median salary of approximately $85,300. These figures reflect the salary range for Intermediate Chemists, providing a clear picture of potential earnings in this field.
To become a senior chemist, you typically need a Baccalaureate degree in chemistry or a related field, along with four years of full-time experience as a professional chemist. Additionally, at least two years of experience in water or wastewater analysis is required. Salaries for intermediate chemists range from $75,400 to $96,900, with a midpoint of $85,300.
The best salary for an Intermediate Chemist ranges from ₹75,400 to ₹96,900 annually, with a mid-range salary of ₹85,300. This reflects the competitive compensation in the field, highlighting the potential for growth and advancement in a chemist's career.
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.)
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