As of September 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Research Chemist in District of Columbia is $111,119, equivalent to $53 per hour, $2,137 weekly, or $9,260 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for Research Chemist in cities like San Jose, Santa Clara, and San Francisco.

Annually Salaries for Research Chemist in District of Columbia vary widely, spanning from $91,286 to $134,372. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($100,738) and 75th percentile ($123,290), while top earners (90th percentile) make $134,372 per year. This $22,552 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, District of Columbia Research Chemist often earn 10.7% higher than national averages due to demand from Fortune 76 companies. However, District of Columbia currently ranks 1 nationwide for Research Chemist job salary. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like to offset market challenges.

Based on HR-reported data: a national average with a geographic differential
Research Chemist Salaries by Percentile
Percentile Salary Location Last Updated
10th Percentile Research Chemist Salary $91,286 DC September 01, 2026
25th Percentile Research Chemist Salary $100,738 DC September 01, 2026
50th Percentile Research Chemist Salary $111,119 DC September 01, 2026
75th Percentile Research Chemist Salary $123,290 DC September 01, 2026
90th Percentile Research Chemist Salary $134,372 DC September 01, 2026
25% $100,738 10% $91,286 90% $134,372 75% $123,290 $111,119 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click
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Research Chemist

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Location Avg. Salary Date Updated
Location Naval Anacost Annex, DC Avg. Salary $126,546 Date Updated September 01, 2026
Location Parcel Return Service, DC Avg. Salary $126,551 Date Updated September 01, 2026
Location Washington, DC Avg. Salary $126,552 Date Updated September 01, 2026
Location Washington Navy Yard, DC Avg. Salary $126,551 Date Updated September 01, 2026
Job Openings for Research Chemist in District of Columbia

Career Path for this job

  1. Down a level:

    Chemist II

    2 - 4 years experience
    Bachelor's Degree

  2. This Job:

    Research Chemist

    4 - 7 years experience
    Master's Degree or MBA

  3. Up a level:

    Chemist IV

    7 + years experience
    Master's Degree or MBA

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