ScienceGovernment / OECD · 96/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Chemist Salary in Sydney
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$129,539/yr
Typical range: $118,252 – $142,779
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Chemist salary by experience level in Sydney
Chemist Salary Progression in Sydney
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 | $62,371 | $5,198 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $78,683 | $6,557 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $90,198 | $7,517 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $102,672 | $8,556 | +65% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $129,539 | $10,795 | +108% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $150,266 | $12,522 | +141% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $155,447 | $12,954 | +149% |
Current Salary
$129,539
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $62/hr
Next Level Target
$150,266
Principal · 14
+$21Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
32/100
High Risk
+5% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Chemist salary in Sydney, Australia?
Staff / Lead Chemists in Sydney, Australia earn approximately $130K 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 Sydney, Australia?
Based on $130K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $62/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Chemist in Sydney, Australia?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Chemist in Sydney, Australia earns $118K–$143K/yr.