ScienceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Chemist Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$83,437/yr
Typical range: $86,267 – $104,160
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Chemist salary by experience level in San Francisco
Chemist Salary Progression in San Francisco
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 | $83,437 | $6,953 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $105,258 | $8,772 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $120,662 | $10,055 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $137,349 | $11,446 | +65% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $173,291 | $14,441 | +108% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $201,018 | $16,752 | +141% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $207,950 | $17,329 | +149% |
Current Salary
$83,437
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $40/hr
Next Level Target
$105,258
Junior · 2
+$22Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
32/100
High Risk
+5% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Chemist salary in San Francisco, CA?
Entry Level Chemists in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $83K 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 San Francisco, CA?
Based on $83K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $40/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Chemist in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Chemist in San Francisco, CA earns $158K–$191K/yr.