What is the median salary for Chemists in Seattle, Washington?

According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Chemists in the Seattle metropolitan area is $84,150.

Does Seattle pay more than the Washington state average for Chemists?

The Seattle metro median is -9.4% versus the Washington state median of $92,860.

How does Seattle compare to the national median for Chemists?

The Seattle metro median is -4.6% versus the BLS national figure of $88,164.

What is the salary range for Chemists in Seattle?

BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $55,420 and the 90th-percentile at $150,810 for the Seattle 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.

Chemists Salary in Seattle, Washington

Median annual$84,150

Mean annual$94,500

Range (10th to 90th)$55,420 to $150,810

Seattle, Washington employment720

State vs national-4.6% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Seattle chemists fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

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

The middle 50% of workers earn between $65,000 and $117,270, with a median of $84,150.

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)

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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Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Chemists in Seattle, Washington?: According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Chemists in the Seattle metropolitan area is $84,150.
Does Seattle pay more than the Washington state average for Chemists?: The Seattle metro median is -9.4% versus the Washington state median of $92,860.
How does Seattle compare to the national median for Chemists?: The Seattle metro median is -4.6% versus the BLS national figure of $88,164.
What is the salary range for Chemists in Seattle?: BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $55,420 and the 90th-percentile at $150,810 for the Seattle 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 Seattle 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.