📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Chemistry Professor Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · Medium Demand

Average
$138,280
per year
Median
$121,992
per year
Hourly
$66.48
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$79,547
25th Percentile — Junior$114,985
50th Percentile — Median$121,992
75th Percentile — Senior$194,719
90th Percentile — Top Earners$228,045
💡 Top-earning Chemistry Professors in California make up to $228,045 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$122.2k
2021
$125.3k
2022
$128.4k
2023
$131.6k
2024
$134.9k
2025
$138.3k
2026
📈 Chemistry Professor salaries in California have followed the national trend with 2.5% annual growth. The strong presence in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Chemistry Professor Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $214,334 +55.0% Medium
San Diego $204,654 +48.0% Medium
San Jose $237,842 +72.0% Medium
San Francisco $255,818 +85.0% Medium
Fresno $149,342 +8.0% Medium
Sacramento $168,702 +22.0% Medium
Long Beach $200,506 +45.0% Medium
Bakersfield $149,342 +8.0% Medium
Anaheim $196,358 +42.0% Medium
Santa Ana $193,592 +40.0% Medium
Riverside $176,998 +28.0% Medium
Stockton $163,170 +18.0% Medium
Irvine $214,334 +55.0% Medium
San Bernardino $163,170 +18.0% Medium
Modesto $154,874 +12.0% Medium
Fontana $168,702 +22.0% Medium
Moreno Valley $159,022 +15.0% Medium
Glendale $204,654 +48.0% Medium
Fremont $221,248 +60.0% Medium
🔍
Chemistry Professor Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Chemistry Professors. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $138,280 per year, California's Chemistry Professor salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in California (index: 1.42) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in California can expect to earn $79,547–$114,985, while experienced Chemistry Professors can command $194,719–$228,045.

Looking ahead, the Chemistry Professor profession in California is projected to grow at 2.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Chemistry Professor salary in California is $138,280 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $97,380.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Chemistry Professors the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Chemistry Professor employment.
  • At $138,280/year, California Chemistry Professor salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $97,380/year.