Find a Job You Really Want In
Chemists represent a vital workforce in the United States, with professionals serving across all states, not just in regions like California or the Southern states.
Given the prominence of this profession, we at Zippia explored the best states for chemists, focusing on job availability and competitive compensation throughout their careers.
Using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), we identified which states offer the most favorable conditions for chemists.
After thorough analysis, we present the top states for chemists in 2026:
These states provide excellent opportunities for chemists, showcasing high salaries, job availability, and the potential for career advancement.
Curious about how we arrived at this ranking? Read on to learn about our research methodology and insights into the top ten states for chemists.
If you’re interested in the job market, check out these additional resources:
How We Determined the Best States for Chemists
At Zippia, we engage with job seekers from diverse backgrounds. Our research reveals two key factors that job seekers prioritize:
- Job availability
- Competitive salaries
To identify the best states for chemists, we examined where job opportunities are abundant and where pay is robust. Our analysis relied on criteria sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment Statistics:
- Location quotient: Indicates how prevalent a job is in a state compared to the national average.
- Average annual salary.
- Average annual entry-level salary.
- Average annual salary for experienced professionals.
To ensure equitable salary comparisons, we adjusted the figures based on each state’s cost of living. This approach allows us to highlight states where a chemist’s salary effectively meets their living expenses. For example, while the average salary for chemists in California is $88,570, the same salary in Illinois offers greater purchasing power due to lower living costs.
To create a comprehensive ranking, we scored each state across these criteria from 1 to 50, with 1 being the best. We then averaged these scores to determine the overall Job Score, with the lowest score indicating the best state for chemists.
1. Delaware
Total Jobs: 1,420
Average Annual Salary: $105,570
Average Entry-Level Salary: $65,350
Average Experienced Salary: $154,850
Location Quotient: 5.4
2. Maryland
Total Jobs: 3,100
Average Annual Salary: $116,060
Average Entry-Level Salary: $67,340
Average Experienced Salary: $164,200
Location Quotient: 1.98
3. Texas
Total Jobs: 5,160
Average Annual Salary: $87,490
Average Entry-Level Salary: $43,520
Average Experienced Salary: $145,330
Location Quotient: 0.73
4. Minnesota
Total Jobs: 2,010
Average Annual Salary: $88,400
Average Entry-Level Salary: $50,600
Average Experienced Salary: $131,350
Location Quotient: 1.2
5. Virginia
Total Jobs: 1,390
Average Annual Salary: $98,670
Average Entry-Level Salary: $53,500
Average Experienced Salary: $153,300
Location Quotient: 0.62
6. Michigan
Total Jobs: 3,620
Average Annual Salary: $79,860
Average Entry-Level Salary: $39,940
Average Experienced Salary: $131,830
Location Quotient: 1.44
7. North Carolina
Total Jobs: 4,370
Average Annual Salary: $77,820
Average Entry-Level Salary: $45,030
Average Experienced Salary: $121,930
Location Quotient: 1.71
8. Kansas
Total Jobs: 660
Average Annual Salary: $77,600
Average Entry-Level Salary: $42,360
Average Experienced Salary: $118,790
Location Quotient: 0.82
9. Missouri
Total Jobs: 1,920
Average Annual Salary: $73,940
Average Entry-Level Salary: $43,400
Average Experienced Salary: $114,500
Location Quotient: 1.17
10. New Mexico
Total Jobs: 300
Average Annual Salary: $95,940
Average Entry-Level Salary: $42,410
Average Experienced Salary: $169,090
Location Quotient: 0.64
Conclusion: The Best States for Chemists
For aspiring chemists, these states should top your list. Not only do they offer competitive pay and abundant job opportunities, but they also provide a strong foundation for career growth.
For those looking for less favorable conditions, consider these states as the least ideal for chemists:
Detailed List of the Best States for Chemists
| Rank | State | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Delaware | $105,570 |
| 2 | Maryland | $116,060 |
| 3 | Texas | $87,490 |
| 4 | Minnesota | $88,400 |
| 5 | Virginia | $98,670 |
| 6 | Michigan | $79,860 |
| 7 | North Carolina | $77,820 |
| 8 | Kansas | $77,600 |
| 9 | Missouri | $73,940 |
| 10 | New Mexico | $95,940 |
| 11 | Georgia | $83,240 |
| 12 | Nebraska | $79,740 |
| 13 | Mississippi | $78,680 |
| 14 | Oklahoma | $77,740 |
| 15 | New Jersey | $96,100 |
| 16 | Idaho | $78,400 |
| 17 | Alabama | $76,220 |
| 18 | Illinois | $74,770 |
| 19 | Ohio | $72,940 |
| 20 | Tennessee | $75,430 |
| 21 | Indiana | $69,690 |
| 22 | Louisiana | $77,490 |
| 23 | Kentucky | $72,100 |
| 24 | North Dakota | $83,570 |
| 25 | Pennsylvania | $77,250 |
| 26 | Utah | $70,450 |
| 27 | Washington | $84,440 |
| 28 | South Carolina | $75,960 |
| 29 | Connecticut | $92,850 |
| 30 | West Virginia | $66,040 |
| 31 | Wisconsin | $71,690 |
| 32 | Arkansas | $72,840 |
| 33 | Iowa | $71,120 |
| 34 | Wyoming | $66,420 |
| 35 | Colorado | $77,250 |
| 36 | Massachusetts | $94,270 |
| 37 | Montana | $64,820 |
| 38 | Rhode Island | $85,390 |
| 39 | Arizona | $72,090 |
| 40 | California | $88,570 |
| 41 | Vermont | $69,140 |
| 42 | Oregon | $76,780 |
| 43 | New Hampshire | $77,960 |
| 44 | Florida | $67,800 |
| 45 | South Dakota | $62,550 |
| 46 | Alaska | $83,310 |
| 47 | New York | $85,590 |
| 48 | Nevada | $71,230 |
| 49 | Maine | $64,730 |
| 50 | Hawaii | $76,480 |
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
