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METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Chemists salary in Chicago, Illinois

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Chicago metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated April 30, 2026
Median annual$100,720
Mean annual$101,830
Range (10th to 90th)$62,100 to $159,140
Chicago, Illinois employment2,810
State vs national+14.2% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Chicago chemists fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

10TH$62,10025TH$74,140MEDIAN$100,72075TH$129,32090TH$159,140

The middle 50% of workers earn between $74,140 and $129,320, with a median of $100,720.

Typical entry

  • Education

    Bachelor's degree

  • Experience

    None

  • On-the-job training

    None

Top skills (O*NET)

  • Chemistry

    Knowledge

    4.9 / 5

  • Science

    Basic skill

    4.1 / 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

    4.0 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Develop, improve, or customize products, equipment, formulas, processes, or analytical methods.

  2. 02

    Analyze organic or inorganic compounds to determine chemical or physical properties, composition, structure, relationships, or reactions, using chromatography, spectroscopy, or spectrophotometry techniques.

  3. 03

    Induce changes in composition of substances by introducing heat, light, energy, or chemical catalysts for quantitative or qualitative analysis.

  4. 04

    Conduct quality control tests.

  5. 05

    Write technical papers or reports or prepare standards and specifications for processes, facilities, products, or tests.

  6. 06

    Prepare test solutions, compounds, or reagents for laboratory personnel to conduct tests.

  7. 07

    Maintain laboratory instruments to ensure proper working order and troubleshoot malfunctions when needed.

  8. 08

    Study effects of various methods of processing, preserving, or packaging on composition or properties of foods.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Chemists in Chicago, Illinois?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Chemists in the Chicago metropolitan area is $100,720.
Does Chicago pay more than the Illinois state average for Chemists?
The Chicago metro median is +3.7% versus the Illinois state median of $97,170.
How does Chicago compare to the national median for Chemists?
The Chicago metro median is +14.2% versus the BLS national figure of $88,164.
What is the salary range for Chemists in Chicago?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $62,100 and the 90th-percentile at $159,140 for the Chicago 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.
Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Chicago 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.