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Average Chemists Salary in Richmond, VA

Chemist salaries in Richmond, VA, average an annual $87,770, falling slightly below the national average of $94,000. This localized pay rate is influenced by a variety of factors specific to the Richmond metropolitan area, including the demand for specialized scientific roles and the overall economic landscape of Virginia.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $87,770 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 4.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $128,340.
  • Outlook: The job market for Chemists in Richmond, VA, appears moderately concentrated, with a total local workforce of 230 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.65 suggests that while Chemists are present, the field is not as densely populated as the national average, indicating a stable but not hyper-competitive environment for professionals in this sector.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$87,770

The average Chemists in Richmond, VA earns-6.6%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$42.2

Weekly

$1,688

Monthly

$7,314

Chemists Salary Distribution in Richmond, VA

The career trajectory for Chemists in Richmond, VA, typically shows significant salary progression with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior or lead Chemist roles can command salaries well into the higher percentiles, reflecting increased responsibility, specialized skills, and a proven track record within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$54,990$26.4
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$65,828$31.6
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$82,670$39.7
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$109,713$52.7
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$128,340$61.7

Detailed Chemists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$87,770

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$87,770

Adjusted for COL (100)

With an average annual salary of $87,770 and a Cost of Living Index of 100, Chemists in Richmond, VA, experience a salary that aligns precisely with the national average cost of living. This means that the purchasing power of their income in Richmond is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial foundation without significant strain or advantage due to local expenses.

Job Market Context

230

Total Jobs

0.353

Per 1K Jobs

0.65

Location Quotient

Below Average

Richmond, VA has 0.65x the national average concentration of Chemists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

The Location Quotient of 0.65 for Chemists in Richmond, VA, indicates a market that is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while there is a demand for Chemists, the supply is relatively lower compared to other professions or other regions, potentially offering skilled professionals a competitive edge in securing positions.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Chemistss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Chemists make in Richmond, VA?

The median annual salary for a Chemists in Richmond, VA is $87,770. This typically ranges from $54,990 for entry-level positions to $128,340 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Richmond, VA is 6.6% lower than the national median of $94,000.

Is Richmond, VA a lucrative place for Chemists?

Yes, with caveats.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, making the nominal salary hold its value. The market's concentration suggests potential opportunities for skilled professionals.

Is Richmond, VA a good place to live for Chemists?

The Cost of Living Index in Richmond, VA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

How does the Richmond Chemist salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Chemists in Richmond, VA, is $87,770, which is approximately $6,230 less than the national average of $94,000.

What is the concentration of Chemists in Richmond, VA?

The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.65, meaning the field is 35% less concentrated in Richmond compared to the national average.

Does experience impact a Chemist's salary in Richmond, VA?

Yes, experience significantly impacts salary, with entry-level positions earning less and senior roles commanding higher compensation, reflecting a clear career progression path.

How does the cost of living affect the Chemist salary in Richmond, VA?

The Cost of Living Index in Richmond is 100, matching the national average. This means the $87,770 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, indicating a balanced economic environment.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 230 employees in the Richmond, VA area with a job density of 0.353 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Chemists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Richmond, VA