May 2008 Median Annual Wages

• According to the BLS, a May 2008 survey indicated that overall, analytical chemists earned a median average salary of $66,230. However, where the chemist worked greatly affects median income. For example, the federal executive branch pays chemists a median salary of $95,690, but architectural and engineering-service companies pay a median salary of $51,180. Many chemists work at pharmaceutical and medicinal manufacturing companies, however; their earnings are closer to the median, at $66,520.
  
  

Where They Work in 2010

• The Bureau of Labor Statistics conducted a less-comprehensive survey in 2010, and according to this survey's results, most analytical chemists work at scientific research-and-development service companies, pharmaceutical companies and engineering companies. Of these sectors, the scientific research companies average the highest pay, with a mean wage of $81,490. Note that the 2008 data used the median -- or middle -- wage. Again, the federal executive branch paid among the highest wages, averaging $104,210. However, the oil and gas industry narrowly beat the government by offering a mean annual wage of $105,960.
  
  

Where The Jobs Are

• California has the highest number of analytical chemists, with well over 10,000. They also averaged the highest in wages, at $81,240. New Jersey, home to many of the nation's leading pharmaceutical companies, has the second-highest number of chemists on the tax rolls. The 5,640 garden-state chemists average $76,190. Texas, Pennsylvania and New York follow closely behind, averaging between $68,940 and $74,430 in wages. Oregon, Montana, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Michigan and West Virginia analytical chemists earned the least nationwide, averaging approximately $59,000 or less.
  
  

Best-Paying Metro and Non-Metro Areas

• Want to earn more as an analytical chemist? Move to Bethesda, Maryland. Earnings for Maryland chemists average $113,110. Other top-paying metro areas include Washington, D.C.; Bakersfield, California; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Peoria, Illinois; and San Francisco. North Carolina and Massachusetts also offered opportunities to earn well above the national average. East Idaho chemists average $102,560, and Nevada chemists earn $78,280. Before you pack your bags, keep in mind that salaries for this type of work are often industry-specific and may require years of postgraduate education and experience. Nevertheless, working as an analytical chemist can provide a terrific opportunity to earn a nice living.