ScienceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Chemist Salary in Austin
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$133,144/yr
Typical range: $121,543 – $146,752
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Chemist salary by experience level in Austin
Chemist Salary Progression in Austin
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $64,106 | $5,342 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $80,873 | $6,739 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $92,708 | $7,726 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $105,529 | $8,794 | +65% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $133,144 | $11,095 | +108% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $154,447 | $12,871 | +141% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $159,773 | $13,314 | +149% |
Current Salary
$133,144
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $64/hr
Next Level Target
$154,447
Principal · 14
+$21Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
32/100
High Risk
+5% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Chemist salary in Austin, TX?
Staff / Lead Chemists in Austin, TX earn approximately $133K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Chemist make per hour in Austin, TX?
Based on $133K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $64/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Chemist in Austin, TX?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Chemist in Austin, TX earns $122K–$147K/yr.