Salary distribution
Where San Diego chemists fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $74,430 and $127,680, with a median of $98,600.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.9 / 5
Chemistry
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Science
Basic skill
- 4.0 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 4.0 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Reading Comprehension
Basic skill
- 4.0 / 5
Written Comprehension
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Critical Thinking
Cross-functional
- 4.0 / 5
Oral Expression
Ability
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Develop, improve, or customize products, equipment, formulas, processes, or analytical methods.
- 02
Analyze organic or inorganic compounds to determine chemical or physical properties, composition, structure, relationships, or reactions, using chromatography, spectroscopy, or spectrophotometry techniques.
- 03
Induce changes in composition of substances by introducing heat, light, energy, or chemical catalysts for quantitative or qualitative analysis.
- 04
Conduct quality control tests.
- 05
Write technical papers or reports or prepare standards and specifications for processes, facilities, products, or tests.
- 06
Prepare test solutions, compounds, or reagents for laboratory personnel to conduct tests.
- 07
Maintain laboratory instruments to ensure proper working order and troubleshoot malfunctions when needed.
- 08
Study effects of various methods of processing, preserving, or packaging on composition or properties of foods.
Sponsored
Build the skills employers list for Chemists
Online courses from licensed providers. We may earn a commission when you enroll. The commission does not influence our rankings or wage data.
Explore coursesOther metros in California
How the San Diego metro compares to other major California metro areas for chemists.
- San Francisco$126,190
- San Jose$109,960
- Riverside$88,590
- Sacramento$83,540
- Los Angeles$82,370
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Chemists in San Diego, California?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Chemists in the San Diego metropolitan area is $98,600.
- Does San Diego pay more than the California state average for Chemists?
- The San Diego metro median is +1.6% versus the California state median of $97,010.
- How does San Diego compare to the national median for Chemists?
- The San Diego metro median is +11.8% versus the BLS national figure of $88,164.
- What is the salary range for Chemists in San Diego?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $59,700 and the 90th-percentile at $156,840 for the San Diego metro area.
- What education is required for Chemists?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the San Diego CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.