As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for an Environmental Chemist in the United States is $60,696 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.
However, an Environmental Chemist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Environmental 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 Environmental 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 |
|---|---|
| Environme... Level Environmental Chemist | $51,262 |
| Environme... Level Environmental Chemist | $59,940 |
| Environme... Level Environmental Chemist | $66,799 |
| Environme... Level Environmental Chemist | $83,033 |
| Environme... Level Environmental Chemist | $89,404 |
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 Environmental Chemists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Consulting | 4.15% |
| Environmental Protection | 3.78% |
| Safety Procedures | 2.72% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Prioritization
|
$71,015 |
17%
|
|
Service Operations
|
$67,373 |
11%
|
|
Mechanical Maintenance
|
$64,945 |
7%
|
|
Risk Management
|
$64,945 |
7%
|
|
Chemistry
|
$64,338 |
6%
|
|
Leadership
|
$64,338 |
6%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Environmental 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 Environmental Chemist with a Bachelor's Degree is between $64,203 and $68,563).
Environmental Chemist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 16.7% |
| High School | 16.7% |
| Associates | 7.1% |
| Bachelors | 47.6% |
| Masters | 26.2% |
| Doctorate | 2.4% |
Understanding how an Environmental 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 May 01, 2026Salaries for an Environmental Chemist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $58,065 in 2023 to around $57,477 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Environmental Chemist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $58,065 |
| 2024 | $57,891 |
| 2025 | $57,477 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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