Salary distribution
Where San Francisco chemists fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $89,990 and $159,070, with a median of $126,190.
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.
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Explore coursesOther metros in California
How the San Francisco metro compares to other major California metro areas for chemists.
- San Jose$109,960
- San Diego$98,600
- Riverside$88,590
- Sacramento$83,540
- Los Angeles$82,370
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Chemists in San Francisco, California?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Chemists in the San Francisco metropolitan area is $126,190.
- Does San Francisco pay more than the California state average for Chemists?
- The San Francisco metro median is +30.1% versus the California state median of $97,010.
- How does San Francisco compare to the national median for Chemists?
- The San Francisco metro median is +43.1% versus the BLS national figure of $88,164.
- What is the salary range for Chemists in San Francisco?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $71,180 and the 90th-percentile at $175,250 for the San Francisco 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 Francisco 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.