ScienceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Chemist Salary in New York
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$177,043/yr
Typical range: $161,617 – $195,138
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Chemist salary by experience level in New York
Chemist Salary Progression in New York
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 | $85,243 | $7,104 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $107,537 | $8,961 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $123,274 | $10,273 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $140,323 | $11,694 | +65% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $177,043 | $14,754 | +108% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $205,370 | $17,114 | +141% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $212,452 | $17,704 | +149% |
Current Salary
$177,043
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $85/hr
Next Level Target
$205,370
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 New York, NY?
Staff / Lead Chemists in New York, NY earn approximately $177K 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 New York, NY?
Based on $177K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $85/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Chemist in New York, NY?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Chemist in New York, NY earns $162K–$195K/yr.