As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lab Chemist in Rhode Island is $68,391 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $33.
However, a Lab Chemist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Lab 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 Lab 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 |
|---|---|
| Lab Chemi... Level Lab Chemist | $67,934 |
| Chemist I... Level Lab Chemist | $84,237 |
| Chemist I... Level Lab Chemist | $102,093 |
| Chemist I... Level Lab Chemist | $133,879 |
| Chemist V... Level Lab Chemist | $156,355 |
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 Lab Chemists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
For Lab Chemist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 80% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Lab Chemist positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Lab Chemist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $102,586 | $49.0 | 50% |
| Software & Networking | $95,747 | $46.0 | 40% |
| Biotechnology | $88,908 | $43.0 | 30% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $82,069 | $39.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $82,069 | $39.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Lab 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 July 01, 2026Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Lab Chemist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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