Average salary, compensation, and wages for Chemists and materials scientists in the United StatesMedian annual earnings of chemists in 2002 were $52,890. The middle 50 percent earned between $39,410 and $71,710. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $30,980, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $92,170. Median annual earnings of materials scientists in 2002 were $64,590. The middle 50 percent earned between $46,280 and $86,240. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $33,480, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $107,400. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of chemists in 2002 were:
The American Chemical Society reports that the median salary of all of its members with a bachelor�s degree was $32,800 a year in 2002; for those with a master�s degree, it was $50,000; and for those with a Ph.D., it was $68,000. Median salaries were highest for those working in private industry; those in academia earned the least. According to an ACS survey of recent graduates, inexperienced chemistry graduates with a bachelor�s degree earned a median starting salary of $31,000 in 2002; those with a master�s degree earned a median salary of $45,000; and those with a Ph.D. made median earnings of $67,500. Among bachelor�s degree graduates, those who had completed internships or had other work experience while in school commanded the highest starting salaries. In 2003, chemists in nonsupervisory, supervisory, and managerial positions in the Federal Government averaged $76,857 a year. More information on Chemists and materials scientists from The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook Overview of Chemists and materials scientists occupation Number of Chemists and materials scientists in the U.S. Salary and earnings for Chemists and materials scientists Working conditions for Chemists and materials scientists Significant points for Chemists and materials scientists Training requirements for Chemists and materials scientists Labor Information Home | Occupational data by city | Search Rainforests | Madagascar | What's new |