How much does a Principal Chemist make in the United States?
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The average Principal Chemist salary in the United States is $120,741 as of April 01, 2026. The range for our most popular Principal Chemist positions (listed below) typically falls between $107,146 and $134,335. Keep in mind that salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including position, education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Principal Chemist's Annual Base Salary
| Job Title | Salary | Hourly Rate | Location | Date Updated |
| Chemist | $99,756 | $47.96 | United States | April 01, 2026 |
| Principal | $123,790 | $59.51 | United States | April 01, 2026 |
| Chemist I | $73,535 | $35.35 | United States | April 01, 2026 |
| Chemist II | $86,499 | $41.59 | United States | April 01, 2026 |
| Chemist III | $110,993 | $53.36 | United States | April 01, 2026 |
| Chemist IV | $139,819 | $67.22 | United States | April 01, 2026 |
| Chemist V | $147,580 | $70.95 | United States | April 01, 2026 |
| Entry Chemist | $73,600 | $35.38 | United States | April 01, 2026 |
| Intermediate Chemist | $86,500 | $41.59 | United States | April 01, 2026 |
| Senior Chemist | $111,000 | $53.37 | United States | April 01, 2026 |
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The Principal is responsible for developing and mentoring the staff, reviewing faculty performance, and creating a positive learning environment. Directs and oversees education and teaching programs for an assigned school. Being a Principal requires a master's degree in education. Ensures the curriculum meets state standards and addresses the specific needs of their students. In addition, Principal typically reports to a superintendent. The Principal typically manages through subordinate managers and professionals in larger groups of moderate complexity. Provides input to strategic decisions that affect the functional area of responsibility. May give input into developing the budget. Working as a Principal typically requires 3+ years of managerial experience. Capable of resolving escalated issues arising from operations and requiring coordination with other departments. View Principal SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Headmaster, Primary/Secondary School Principal
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Chemist I evaluates the chemical and physical properties of various organic and inorganic substances. Utilizes established methods and procedures and laboratory equipment to perform analytical testing of substances. Being a Chemist I prepares compounds, reagents and solutions. Develop and write technical reports of testing results. Additionally, Chemist I requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. To be a Chemist I typically requires 0-2 years of related experience. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Work is closely managed. View Chemist I SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Analytical Chemist I, Entry ChemistCategories : Pharmaceuticals , Aerospace and Defense , Biotechnology , Entry Level , Science and Research
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Chemist II evaluates the chemical and physical properties of various organic and inorganic substances. Utilizes established methods and procedures and laboratory equipment to perform analytical testing of substances. Being a Chemist II prepares compounds, reagents and solutions. Develop and write technical reports of testing results. Additionally, Chemist II requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. To be a Chemist II typically requires 2 to 4 years of related experience. Gains exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. View Chemist II SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Analytical Chemist II, Intermediate Chemist
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Chemist III evaluates the chemical and physical properties of various organic and inorganic substances. Utilizes established methods and procedures and laboratory equipment to perform analytical testing of substances. Being a Chemist III prepares compounds, reagents and solutions. Develop and write technical reports of testing results. Additionally, Chemist III requires a master's degree. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. To be a Chemist III typically requires 4 to 7 years of related experience. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. View Chemist III SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Analytical Chemist III, Senior Chemist
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Chemist IV evaluates the chemical and physical properties of various organic and inorganic substances. Utilizes established methods and procedures and laboratory equipment to perform analytical testing of substances. Being a Chemist IV prepares compounds, reagents and solutions. Develop and write technical reports of testing results. Additionally, Chemist IV requires a master's degree in area of specialty. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. To be a Chemist IV typically requires 7+ years of related experience. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. Work is highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. View Chemist IV SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Analytical Chemist IV, Specialist Chemist
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Chemist V evaluates the chemical and physical properties of various organic and inorganic substances. Utilizes established methods and procedures and laboratory equipment to perform analytical testing of substances. Being a Chemist V prepares compounds, reagents and solutions. Develop and write technical reports of testing results. Additionally, Chemist V requires a master's degree in area of specialty. Demonstrates expertise in a variety of the field's concepts, practices, and procedures. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. To be a Chemist V typically requires 10+ years of related experience. Works on advanced, complex technical projects or business issues requiring state of the art technical or industry knowledge. Works autonomously. Goals are generally communicated in "solution" or project goal terms. May provide a leadership role for the work group through knowledge in the area of specialization. View Chemist V SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Analytical Chemist V, Expert Chemist
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The Entry Chemist requires a bachelor's degree. Evaluates the chemical and physical properties of various organic and inorganic substances in order to investigate their applications to medicine and other industries. Being an Entry Chemist typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Working as an Entry Chemist typically requires 0-2 years of related experience. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Work is closely managed. View Entry Chemist SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Analytical Chemist ICategories : Pharmaceuticals , Aerospace and Defense , Biotechnology , Entry Level , Science and Research
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The Intermediate Chemist requires a bachelor's degree. Evaluates the chemical and physical properties of various organic and inorganic substances in order to investigate their applications to medicine and other industries. Being an Intermediate Chemist typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Working as an Intermediate Chemist typically requires 2 to 4 years of related experience. Gains exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. View Intermediate Chemist SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Analytical Chemist II
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The Senior Chemist requires a graduate degree. Evaluates the chemical and physical properties of various organic and inorganic substances in order to investigate their applications to medicine and other industries. Being a Senior Chemist typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Working as a Senior Chemist typically requires 4 to 7 years of related experience. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. View Senior Chemist SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Analytical Chemist III