As of February 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Quality Control Chemist in California is $81,194, equivalent to $39 per hour, $1,561 weekly, or $6,766 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for Quality Control Chemist in cities like Santa Clara, San Jose, and Fremont.
Annually Salaries for Quality Control Chemist in California vary widely, spanning from $63,978 to $95,195. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($72,183) and 75th percentile ($88,523), while top earners (90th percentile) make $95,195 per year. This $16,340 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Analysis or Analytical Chemistry, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.
Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, California Quality Control Chemist often earn 10.3% higher than national averages due to demand from Fortune 85 companies. However, California currently ranks 2 nationwide for Quality Control Chemist job salary. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like to offset market challenges.
