Average Chemists Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Chemists in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area earn an average annual salary of $89,340. This figure is slightly below the national average of $94,000, suggesting a localized compensation structure influenced by regional economic factors and industry demand. While not reaching the national benchmark, this salary reflects the specific market dynamics within this research-intensive metropolitan area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $89,340 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $129,710.
- Outlook: The Durham-Chapel Hill area boasts a robust job market for Chemists, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 1,490 professionals. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 8.03 indicates a significantly higher concentration of chemists compared to the national average, signaling strong and sustained demand for their expertise within the region's thriving scientific and research sectors.
Salary Overview
The average Chemists in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC earns-5.0%below the national average.
$43
$1,718
$7,445
Chemists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for the last four years is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Chemists in Durham-Chapel Hill have experienced a steady upward trend, mirroring national patterns of salary growth in specialized scientific fields. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for skilled professionals, and advancements in chemical research and development.
Chemists Salary Distribution in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
The career trajectory for Chemists in Durham-Chapel Hill typically shows a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior roles and specialized positions can command salaries well above the average, reaching into the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps clearly signify substantial career progression and earning potential as professionals gain expertise and take on greater responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $61,160 | $29.4 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $67,005 | $32.2 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $78,240 | $37.6 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $111,675 | $53.7 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $129,710 | $62.4 |
Detailed Chemists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$89,340
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$89,340
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $89,340 for Chemists in Durham-Chapel Hill aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living (index of 100). This means that the purchasing power of a chemist's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing without the premium often associated with higher cost-of-living regions.
Job Market Context
1,490
Total Jobs
4.335
Per 1K Jobs
8.03
Location Quotient
Durham-Chapel Hill, NC has 8.0x the national concentration of Chemists jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 8.03, Durham-Chapel Hill presents a highly concentrated market for Chemists, far exceeding the national average. This indicates a specialized and potentially competitive environment where employers actively seek out and value chemical expertise, suggesting abundant opportunities for skilled professionals within this niche.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chemists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Raleigh-Cary, NC Chemists Salary | $87,320↓ 2% | 18 mi |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Chemists Salary | $89,570↑ 0% | 52 mi |
| Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Chemists Salary | $82,970↓ 7% | 56 mi |
| Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Chemists Salary | $72,750↓ 19% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Hiring Chemistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chemists make in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The median annual salary for a Chemists in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is $89,340. This typically ranges from $61,160 for entry-level positions to $129,710 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 5.0% lower than the national median of $94,000.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a lucrative place for Chemists?
Yes, it offers strong earning potential relative to the cost of living.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, making the nominal salary highly competitive. The high concentration of chemists indicates strong demand and career opportunities.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a good place to live for Chemists?
The Cost of Living Index in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Raleigh-Cary, NC ($87,320) and Greensboro-High Point, NC.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Chemists in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is $89,340, which is approximately 5% lower than the national average of $94,000.
What is the cost of living in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC for Chemists?
The cost of living in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is exactly at the national average, with an index of 100. This means your salary of $89,340 has the same purchasing power as it would nationally.
How concentrated is the job market for Chemists in this area?
The job market for Chemists is highly concentrated, with a Location Quotient of 8.03, meaning there are over eight times more chemists per worker than the national average, indicating strong regional demand.
What is the total number of Chemists employed in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
There are approximately 1,490 Chemists employed in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area, representing 4.335 jobs per 1,000 workers.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,490 employees in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area with a job density of 4.335 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Chemists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC