📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Chemists Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · Medium Demand

Average
$142,639
per year
Median
$129,561
per year
Hourly
$68.58
per hour
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$90,281
25th Percentile — Junior$119,354
50th Percentile — Median$129,561
75th Percentile — Senior$184,769
90th Percentile — Top Earners$210,109
💡 Top-earning Chemistss in California make up to $210,109 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$118.4k
2021
$122.9k
2022
$127.5k
2023
$132.4k
2024
$137.4k
2025
$142.6k
2026
📈 Chemists salaries in California have followed the national trend with 3.8% annual growth. The strong presence in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
🗺️
Chemists Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $221,090 +55.0% Medium
San Diego $211,106 +48.0% Medium
San Jose $245,339 +72.0% Medium
San Francisco $263,882 +85.0% Medium
Fresno $154,050 +8.0% Medium
Sacramento $174,020 +22.0% Medium
Long Beach $206,827 +45.0% Medium
Bakersfield $154,050 +8.0% Medium
Anaheim $202,547 +42.0% Medium
Santa Ana $199,695 +40.0% Medium
Riverside $182,578 +28.0% Medium
Stockton $168,314 +18.0% Medium
Irvine $221,090 +55.0% Medium
San Bernardino $168,314 +18.0% Medium
Modesto $159,756 +12.0% Medium
Fontana $174,020 +22.0% Medium
Moreno Valley $164,035 +15.0% Medium
Glendale $211,106 +48.0% Medium
Fremont $228,222 +60.0% Medium
🔍
Chemists Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Chemistss. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $142,639 per year, California's Chemists 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 $90,281–$119,354, while experienced Chemistss can command $184,769–$210,109.

Looking ahead, the Chemists profession in California is projected to grow at 3.8% 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
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Chemists salary in California is $142,639 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $100,450.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Chemistss 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 Chemists employment.
  • At $142,639/year, California Chemists salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $100,450/year.