2024 wage data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Chemists is a high-paying occupation in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV, with a median annual salary of $145,430. Chemistss in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV earn $61,280 more (73%) than the national median of $84,150. Experienced Chemistss can expect to roughly double their starting salary over their career.
Chemistss in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV earn $61,280 more (73%) than the national median of $84,150.
About 2,640 Chemistss work in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV, indicating a healthy local job market.
Cost of Living Consideration
While Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV offers higher pay, remember that cost of living may also be higher. A $145,430 salary here may not go as far as $84,150 in a lower-cost area. Consider housing, taxes, and commute costs.
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $82,760 | $6,897 |
| 25th Percentile | $110,580 | $9,215 |
| Median | $145,430 | $12,119 |
| 75th Percentile | $176,550 | $14,713 |
| 90th Percentile | $191,880 | $15,990 |
| Mean (Average) | $143,440 | $11,953 |
| Metro Area | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $145,430 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $130,830 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $126,190 |
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA | $115,030 |
| Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | $110,300 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $109,960 |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $104,870 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta, GA | $101,660 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI | $100,720 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $98,600 |
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Family Medicine Physicians | $224,330 |
| Lawyers | $191,880 |
| Nuclear Engineers | $189,770 |
| Database Administrators | $188,120 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $180,360 |
| Financial Managers | $177,690 |
| Marketing Managers | $176,240 |
| Human Resources Managers | $172,970 |
| Physicists | $168,280 |
| Managers, All Other | $167,270 |
Estimate your after-tax income. Compare your real purchasing power across different states and salary levels.
Annual Take-Home
$109,863
Monthly
$9,155
Bi-Weekly
$4,225
Effective Tax Rate
24.5%
* Estimate only. Does not include local taxes, deductions, or credits. Need help with your finances? Consider consulting a certified financial planner or exploring high-yield savings accounts to maximize your take-home pay.
The cost of living in Washington, DC is 8.9% above the national average (index: 108.9). See full cost breakdown →
After adjusting for local cost of living, the purchasing power of Washington, DC salaries is equivalent to $91,018 in an average-cost US city.
Data verified March 2026 · Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Was this data helpful?
Considering a move for this role? Compare cost of living in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WVto make an informed decision. Don't forget to factor in moving costs, renters insurance, and state income tax differences when evaluating your total compensation package.