ScienceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Chemist Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$172,604/yr
Typical range: $157,565 – $190,246
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Chemist salary by experience level in Los Angeles
Chemist Salary Progression in Los Angeles
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 | $83,106 | $6,926 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $104,841 | $8,737 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $120,184 | $10,015 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $136,805 | $11,400 | +65% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $172,604 | $14,384 | +108% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $200,221 | $16,685 | +141% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $207,125 | $17,260 | +149% |
Current Salary
$172,604
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $83/hr
Next Level Target
$200,221
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 Los Angeles, CA?
Staff / Lead Chemists in Los Angeles, CA 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 Los Angeles, CA?
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 Los Angeles, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Chemist in Los Angeles, CA earns $158K–$190K/yr.