ScienceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Chemist Salary in Boston
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$173,000/yr
Typical range: $157,926 – $190,682
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Chemist salary by experience level in Boston
Chemist Salary Progression in Boston
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 | $83,296 | $6,941 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $105,081 | $8,757 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $120,459 | $10,038 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $137,118 | $11,427 | +65% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $173,000 | $14,417 | +108% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $200,680 | $16,723 | +141% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $207,600 | $17,300 | +149% |
Current Salary
$173,000
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $83/hr
Next Level Target
$200,680
Principal · 14
+$28Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
32/100
High Risk
+5% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Chemist salary in Boston, MA?
Staff / Lead Chemists in Boston, MA earn approximately $173K 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 Boston, MA?
Based on $173K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $83/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Chemist in Boston, MA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Chemist in Boston, MA earns $158K–$191K/yr.