As of June 01, 2026, the average salary for a Chemist III in California is $108,219 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $52.
However, a Chemist III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Chemist III Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $120,066 | $10,005 | $2,309 | $58 |
| Average | $108,219 | $9,018 | $2,081 | $52 |
| 25th Percentile | $98,187 | $8,182 | $1,888 | $47 |
BioPhase Solutions - Orange County, CA
LGM Pharma, LLC - Irvine, CA
Focus Staff - KEENE, NH
Focus Staff - LEBANON, NH
A 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, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a 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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Chemist I | 0-2 years | $72,014 |
| Chemist II | 2-4 years | $89,286 |
| Chemist III | 4-7 years | $108,219 |
| Chemist IV | 7+ years | $141,906 |
| Chemist V | 7-10 years | $165,745 |
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 Chemist IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
Chemist III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $121,103. While startup companies pay approximate $102,514.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $102,514 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $108,392 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $116,975 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $121,103 |
Understanding how a 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $120,066 | $10,005 | $2,309 | $58 |
| Average | $108,219 | $9,018 | $2,081 | $52 |
| 25th Percentile | $98,187 | $8,182 | $1,888 | $47 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Biologist IV | $133,285 | 23% |
| Geologist IV | $120,480 | 11% |
| Geophysicist IV | $172,355 | 59% |
| Microbiologist IV | $103,150 | -5% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Chemist III job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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