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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lab Chemist II in Virginia is $80,390 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.
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 | $87,942 | $7,329 | $1,691 | $42 |
| Average | $80,390 | $6,699 | $1,546 | $39 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,483 | $5,874 | $1,355 | $34 |
Earth Smart Environmental Solutions, LLC - Richmond, VA
Quest Diagnostics Incorporated - Roanoke, VA
Solutions³ LLC - Arlington, VA
Sentara Healthcare - Virginia Beach, VA
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 | $64,375 |
| Lab Chemi... Level Lab Chemist II | $79,834 |
| Chemist I... Level Lab Chemist II | $96,751 |
| Chemist I... Level Lab Chemist II | $126,880 |
| Chemist V... Level Lab Chemist II | $148,166 |
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 | $128,624 | $62.0 | 60% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $112,546 | $54.0 | 40% |
| Financial Services | $104,507 | $50.0 | 30% |
| Business Services | $100,487 | $48.0 | 25% |
| MFG Nondurable | $96,468 | $46.0 | 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 | $87,942 | $7,329 | $1,691 | $42 |
| Average | $80,390 | $6,699 | $1,546 | $39 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,483 | $5,874 | $1,355 | $34 |
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.
Carillion Clinic
Lexington, VA
Carillion Clinic | Lexington, VA
Sleep Lab Tech II. A RT Sleep Technician works under the general supervision of the medical director (MD, DO, PhD) or designee to provide comprehensive eva... more
10 Days Ago
Virginia Department of Human Resource Management
Charlottesville, VA
Virginia Department of Human Resource Management | Charlottesville, VA
Cytotechnologist II (Medical Lab). Performs highly specialized and complex testing that involves the microscopic screening and evaluation of cytologic spec... more
6 Days Ago
Clean Harbors
AURORA, CO
Clean Harbors | AURORA, CO
Clean Harbors is actively seeking a dedicated Cleanpack Chemist to join our Environmental Health & Safety team. This role is pivotal in assisting our missi... more
8 Days Ago
Clean Harbors
WESTMINSTER, CO
Clean Harbors | WESTMINSTER, CO
Clean Harbors is actively seeking a dedicated Cleanpack Chemist to join our Environmental Health & Safety team. This role is pivotal in assisting our missi... more
8 Days Ago
Clean Harbors
GLENDALE, CO
Clean Harbors | GLENDALE, CO
Clean Harbors is actively seeking a dedicated Cleanpack Chemist to join our Environmental Health & Safety team. This role is pivotal in assisting our missi... more
8 Days Ago
Clean Harbors
IRONDALE, CO
Clean Harbors | IRONDALE, CO
Clean Harbors is actively seeking a dedicated Cleanpack Chemist to join our Environmental Health & Safety team. This role is pivotal in assisting our missi... more
8 Days Ago
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