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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Chemist in Illinois is $101,739 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $49.
However, a Chemist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Chemist Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $112,975 | $9,415 | $2,173 | $54 |
| Average | $101,739 | $8,478 | $1,957 | $49 |
| 25th Percentile | $92,346 | $7,696 | $1,776 | $44 |
A 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a 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 |
|---|---|
| Chemist I... Level Chemist | $67,145 |
| Chemist I... Level Chemist | $83,269 |
| Chemist Level Chemist | $100,913 |
| Chemist I... Level Chemist | $132,339 |
| Chemist V... Level Chemist | $154,541 |
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 Chemists. 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:
For Chemist 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, Chemist positions in Transportation or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Chemist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $122,087 | $59.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $117,000 | $56.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $113,948 | $55.0 | 12% |
| MFG Durable | $111,913 | $54.0 | 10% |
| Chemicals | $109,879 | $53.0 | 8% |
Understanding how a 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $112,975 | $9,415 | $2,173 | $54 |
| Average | $101,739 | $8,478 | $1,957 | $49 |
| 25th Percentile | $92,346 | $7,696 | $1,776 | $44 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Chemist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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Ottawa, IL
Sigan America LLC | Ottawa, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Analytical Chemist – OTC & Personal Care. Department. Research & Development. Location. Ottawa, IL 61350. Schedule. Full-... more
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divihn.com
Lemont, IL
divihn.com | Lemont, IL
For further inquiries regarding the following opportunity, please contact one of our Talent Specialists:Prawin 224 369 2969Hema 630 847 0275Title:Analytica... more
6 Days Ago
CLEAN HARBORS
Fairview Heights, IL
CLEAN HARBORS | Fairview Heights, IL
Clean Harbors in Caseyville, IL is seeking an Environmental Field Chemist (CleanPack Chemist) to handle, segregate, pack, and inspect chemical waste in acc... more
6 Days Ago
Astrix Inc
Willowbrook, IL
Astrix Inc | Willowbrook, IL
Pay Rate Low:19 Pay Rate High:20Our client, a leader in pharmaceutical manufacturing, is seeking an Entry-Level Chemist to join their growing team. This is... more
6 Days Ago
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