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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lab Chemist II in California is $88,053 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $42.
However, a Lab Chemist II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Lab Chemist II Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $96,326 | $8,027 | $1,852 | $46 |
| Average | $88,053 | $7,338 | $1,693 | $42 |
| 25th Percentile | $77,202 | $6,433 | $1,485 | $37 |
The Planet Group - San Jose, CA
Veolia - San Jose, CA
Veolia - San Jose, CA
LGM Pharma, LLC - Irvine, CA
A Lab Chemist II'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 II'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 Lab Chemist II | $70,512 |
| Lab Chemi... Level Lab Chemist II | $87,445 |
| Chemist I... Level Lab Chemist II | $105,974 |
| Chemist I... Level Lab Chemist II | $138,976 |
| Chemist V... Level Lab Chemist II | $162,291 |
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 Chemist IIs. 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 Lab Chemist II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 120% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 60% above the average. In contrast, Lab Chemist positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Lab Chemist II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $140,886 | $68.0 | 60% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $123,275 | $59.0 | 40% |
| Financial Services | $114,470 | $55.0 | 30% |
| Business Services | $110,067 | $53.0 | 25% |
| MFG Nondurable | $105,664 | $51.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Lab Chemist II'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 | $96,326 | $8,027 | $1,852 | $46 |
| Average | $88,053 | $7,338 | $1,693 | $42 |
| 25th Percentile | $77,202 | $6,433 | $1,485 | $37 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Lab Chemist II job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Infinium Group
Los Angeles, CA
Infinium Group | Los Angeles, CA
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Chemist to join our team. As a Senior Chemist, you will be responsible for conducting various labora... more
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Kelly Services, Inc.
Carson, CA
Kelly Services, Inc. | Carson, CA
General InformationNameCosmetic Chemist IIEmployment TypeTemporaryPosition levelFull-timeVirtual/Remote. NoLabor CategoryScientificDate02-Apr-2026CityCarso... more
8 Days Ago
Aralez Bio
Berkeley, CA
Aralez Bio | Berkeley, CA
Job Description. Job Description. About the Company. We envision a world where we continuously, sustainably, and affordably improve human life with synthet... more
10 Days Ago
Natera
San Carlos, CA
Natera | San Carlos, CA
Histology Lab Operator II. San Carlos, CA. Position Summary. The Histology Lab Operator II is a member of the Histopathy Department responsible for assisti... more
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Quest Diagnostics Incorporated
San Juan Capistrano, CA
Quest Diagnostics Incorporated | San Juan Capistrano, CA
Clinical Lab Scientist II. This licensed position is accountable for performing clinical laboratory testing, following all applicable policies and procedur... more
8 Days Ago
Quest Diagnostics Incorporated
Canoga Park, CA
Quest Diagnostics Incorporated | Canoga Park, CA
Lab Associate II - West Hills, CA. This non-licensed position is accountable for assisting with general support for the laboratory, following all applicabl... more
8 Days Ago
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