Scientist Chemistry Salary in California
How Much Does a Scientist Chemistry make?
Scientist Chemistry made a median salary around $120,112 in April, 2025.
The best-paid 25 percent made $134,092 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $107,442.
Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.
With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Check out
Scientist Chemistry
jobs in
California
Facing Salary Structure Challenges? Let Our Expert Guide You
The job market is increasingly challenging. Our whitepaper, Navigating the Challenges of Creating Salary Structures, offers guidance on creating salary structures. Provide your phone number and work email to download the full version.
We will handle your contact details in line with our Privacy Policy.
If you prefer not to receive marketing emails from Salary.com, you can opt-out out of marketing communications at any time by clicking unsubscribe.
Choose a prefer time
Choose Your Preferred Time
All times are listed as US Eastern time (Boston/New York)
-
9:00 AM-9:30 AM
-
9:30 AM-10:00 AM
-
10:00 AM-10:30 AM
-
10:30 AM-11:00 AM
-
11:00 AM-11:30 AM
-
11:30 AM-12:00 PM
-
12:00 PM-12:30 PM
-
12:30 PM-1:00 PM
-
1:00 PM-1:30 PM
-
1:30 PM-2:00 PM
-
2:00 PM-2:30 PM
-
2:30 PM-3:00 PM
-
3:00 PM-3:30 PM
-
3:30 PM-4:00 PM
-
4:00 PM-4:30 PM
-
4:30 PM-5:00 PM
-
5:00 PM-5:30 PM
-
5:30 PM-6:00 PM
-
6:00 PM-6:30 PM
-
6:30 PM-7:00 PM
-
7:00 PM-7:30 PM
-
7:30 PM-8:00 PM
Best-Paying Cities for Scientist Chemistry
The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Scientist Chemistry profession are San Jose
, Santa Clara
, Sunnyvale
, Los Gatos
, Milpitas
.
| San Jose, CA | $137,350 |
| Santa Clara, CA | $137,350 |
| Sunnyvale, CA | $137,350 |
| Los Gatos, CA | $137,350 |
| Milpitas, CA | $137,350 |
Best-Paying States for Scientist Chemistry
The states and districts that pay Scientist Chemistry the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $120,569)
, California (around $120,112)
, Massachusetts (around $118,511)
, Washington (around $118,076)
, and New Jersey (around $118,032)
.
| District of Columbia | $120,569 |
| California | $120,112 |
| Massachusetts | $118,511 |
| Washington | $118,076 |
| New Jersey | $118,032 |
What is the Career Path of Scientist Chemistry?
A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.
For Scientist Chemistry, the first career path typically starts with a Biologist IV position , and then progresses to Biologist V.
The second career path typically starts with a Microbiologist IV position , and then progresses to Microbiologist V.
The third career path typically progresses to Meteorologist.
Additionally, the fourth career path typically starts with a Chemist IV position , and then progresses to Chemist V.
Besides, Scientist Chemistry can also turn to other related jobs, including
Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry
,
Analytical Chemistry Scientist
,
Principal Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry
and
Instructor - Chemistry
.
Frequently Asked Questions for Scientist Chemistry
Q:
What is the salary range of Scientist Chemistry in California?
A:
In 2025
, the lowest-paid Scientist Chemistry in California earned an average annual salary of $107,442
, while the highest-paid made $134,092.
Q:
What is the salary for a Scientist Chemistry in California?
A:
Scientist Chemistry employed in California earned an average salary of $120,112 in 2025.
Average Scientist Chemistry Pay vs. Other Jobs
Scientist Chemistry earned an average salary of $120,112 in 2025.
Other jobs related to Scientist Chemistry earned the following average salary in April, 2025.
Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry
made $114,564
,
Analytical Chemistry Scientist
made $122,168
,
Principal Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry
and
Instructor - Chemistry
made $170,269
and $68,945 respectively
.
Relevant Jobs of Scientist Chemistry
There is currently no job description for Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry, be the first to
submit
the job responsibilities for Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry.
There is currently no job description for Analytical Chemistry Scientist, be the first to
submit
the job responsibilities for Analytical Chemistry Scientist.
There is currently no job description for Principal Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry, be the first to
submit
the job responsibilities for Principal Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry.
Teaches courses in the discipline area of chemistry. Develops and designs curriculum plans to foster student learning, stimulate class discussions, and ensures student engagement. Provides tutoring and academic counseling to students, maintains classes related records, and assesses student coursework. Collaborates and supports colleagues regarding research interests and co-curricular activities. Typically reports to a department head. Has a Master's degree or is a PhD candidate in the applicable field. Has experience and is qualified to teach at undergraduate level and possesses the qualifications to participate in research.
Teaches courses in the discipline area of chemistry. Develops and designs curriculum plans to foster student learning, stimulate class discussions, and ensures student engagement. Provides tutoring and academic counseling to students, maintains classes related records, and assesses student coursework. Collaborates and supports colleagues regarding research interests and co-curricular activities. Typically reports to a department head. Requires a PhD or terminal degree appropriate to the field. Has considerable experience and is qualified to teach at undergraduate and graduate levels and initiates research and case studies in field of interest and may publish findings in trade journals or textbooks. Provides intellectual leadership and has made significant contributions to the field. May offer independent study opportunities and mentoring to students. Typically this individual is a leader in the field and has been published.