ScienceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Chemist Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$66,267/yr
Typical range: $68,515 – $82,726
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Chemist salary by experience level in Chicago
Chemist Salary Progression in Chicago
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $66,267 | $5,522 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $83,598 | $6,967 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $95,832 | $7,986 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $109,085 | $9,090 | +65% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $137,631 | $11,469 | +108% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $159,652 | $13,304 | +141% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $165,157 | $13,763 | +149% |
Current Salary
$66,267
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $32/hr
Next Level Target
$83,598
Junior · 2
+$17Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
32/100
High Risk
+5% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Chemist salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level Chemists in Chicago, IL earn approximately $66K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Chemist make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $66K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $32/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Chemist in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Chemist in Chicago, IL earns $126K–$152K/yr.