25 Best States For Chemists

It’s time to see if you have any chemistry with the best states for chemists! Chemistry is definitely the most romantic of all the sciences. Forget physics, chemistry mixes things up and can lead to explosive results.  Remember every good science textbook, and every good relationship, needs chemistry.

If you are studying chemistry, or planning to study it as a career then you probably know this. Your love affair with this science stated likely years ago–maybe after your first big reaction… in the lab. I admire your knowledge of science, chemicals, periodic tables, and how not to burn yourself with a Bunsen burner.

My chemistry teacher was a great guy. However, I ended up having a family friend tutor me, because I just didn’t have the natural drive to learn it well on my own. The extra work actually made me like chemistry more, not less–which no one could have predicted. I still miss also those acids and bases–and don’t even get me started on thermodynamics. Seriously don’t, I remember very little so it would likely be wrong and boring.

Unlike me, you have an aptitude for chemistry so much so that you’d like to do it every day. Now the only question lies–WHERE?

Do you think any of these states also made it to the 25 Best States for Chemical Engineers? There is only one way to find out. Or several ways, but you should just read the article.

In looking for the best states for chemists, we used three major criteria. The first is the annual median wages since the job can be challenging and hard to bag because of the educational requirements. We also considered each state’s cost of living rates and employment rates. The truth is no matter how much you earn, if your wages just go to your daily living expenses, you are missing the point of having a job with a great paycheck. Employment rates are just as important as the first two points, since the possibility of having the job in a state could affect your timeline in looking for the job and actually having one.

Each state was then ranked according to the annual median pay, cost of living rates, and employment rates. Rankings were averaged, and the results are reflected well in the article.

For your reference, the information about employment rates and wages were derived from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The data about the cost of living index were sourced from the Missouri Economic and Research Information Center.

Read more to know which states made it to the list.

25. Washington

Annual median wage: $78,460

Cost of living: 107.1

Employment: 1,600

Washington’s wages for chemists go a little above the national average. This is not surprising because the state is popular for having great job opportunities and equally amazing pay rates. The employment rates they have for chemists might not be very ideal, but with the developments happening in the state in terms of pharmaceuticals and research, you might still get lucky in getting a job there as a chemist.

24. Connecticut

Annual median wage: $84,310

Cost of living: 130.7

Employment: 1,350

Connecticut rivals big and expensive states in terms of paychecks. It is popular for wages that are relatively higher than most states in the U.S. It would have been a great state for chemists, and all other professionals for that matter, if the cost of living rates in Connecticut were not as expensive. As a consolation, they have fair employment rates for chemists, which makes the state still worth a good try.

23. New York

Annual median wage: $78,970

Cost of living: 135.2

Employment: 4,320

We all know New York as a great place to get a job in, but we also know of it as a very expensive state to live in. One must be ready for the compromises of living in there, especially when you want to settle in the city. For chemists, this state has plenty of amazing opportunities, since research centers and manufacturing companies have their flagship offices in here. If you earn well, you could probably afford a decent apartment. Just look hard enough and you just might get lucky.

22. New Mexico

Annual median wage: $82,430

Cost of living: 95.7

Employment: 270

New Mexico would have ranked higher on this list if it had better employment rates. The state has fewer companies needing chemists as compared to others, which probably explains the less than ideal employment rates. On the other hand, you might be encouraged to still look for chemist jobs there because of their high wages and low living expenses.

21. Massachusetts

Annual median wage: $79,300

Cost of living: 134.7

Employment: 3,160

With many jobs available for chemists, there is no doubt Massachusetts is one of the best states for chemists. After all, not only chemists would find tons of available opportunities for them, but even other professionals. Massachusetts is known for being a great state for education and business. However, because of their high living expenses, not many people see it as a cost-efficient place to call home. Wages come high but you might still have to make sacrifices to sustain a comfortable life in the state.

20. Minnesota

Annual median wage: $79,130

Cost of living: 101.1

Employment: 1,270

Minnesota has annual median salary rates for chemists that go past the national average. Admit it or not, one of the first things we check when hunting for jobs is how much we can earn. In this case, it looks like a winner to me. The cost of living rates they have do not really stray far from the average, so it’s still a good thing. Minnesota’s employment rates for chemists look great as well.

19. Oklahoma

Annual median wage: $72,080

Cost of living: 88.6

Employment: 490

It is easy to get discouraged with Oklahoma’s wages for chemists. But when you really think about it and factor in how much (or how little) you are actually going to spend on your daily living expenses, it is not a bad thing after all. As we have said time and again, earning a big paycheck does not always mean a better life. Choose to work in a state where a huge chunk of your pay will go to what you want rather than all the bills you have to pay.

18. Pennsylvania

Annual median wage: $72,280

Cost of living: 102.8

Employment: 5,510

Most people stereotype Pennsylvania as an expensive state because of its neighbors, such as New York and Maryland. It could very well challenge the two when it comes to wages and employment rates, but what sets it apart is its cost of living rates. While not too cheap, it is undeniable that Pennsylvania is more affordable than New York. Many professionals are bound to have great opportunities as well.

17. Missouri

Annual median wage: $67,950

Cost of living: 90.8

Employment: 2,080

Missouri ranks 17 in our list of best states for chemists and it is pretty impressive in all its statistics for chemists, despite its wages that do not meet the national average. While there are states that score higher than Missouri in terms of its salary, the balance it has between cost of living expenses and employment rates is quite hard to beat. Living in Missouri might make you feel like being in a mall-wide sale all year long since they have living expenses generally 10% cheaper than most American states. How can you say no to that?

16. Tennessee

Annual median wage: $70,320

Cost of living: 89.8

Employment: 1,210

Working in Tennessee is always a good idea because of the mild weather, the opportunities, and of course, their ideal cost of living expenses. Even the lowest wages would probably be able to sustain a decent living in this state. No need to spend a big amount from your salary to rent somewhere comfortable and eat three times a day. This state could make you feel like you’re earning so much more because you’ll be spending so much little.

15. Arkansas

Annual median wage: $72,890

Cost of living: 88.5

Employment: 500

Its low cost of living makes Arkansas one of the best states for chemists and for anybody, to say the least. Arkansas’ growing population reflects how much people value cost of living rates when they are looking for a home. Although opportunities might not hit the goldmine, developments taking place around the state prove to show that more is to come here.

14. Colorado

Annual median wage: $80,040

Cost of living: 102.1

Employment: 1,930

Colorado’s wages almost always reach past the national average, making it one of the most preferred states when it comes to working. The state is also known for its many job opportunities, thanks to its consistent economic developments. What makes Colorado even better is how fairly affordable their living expenses are. Living there is not too pricey, though not too cheap, too.

13. Indiana

Annual median wage: $65,590

Cost of living: 87.9

Employment: 1,960

We know of Indiana as America’s second most affordable state, but that never meant it was losing against other states in terms of employment opportunities and economic developments. In fact, Indianapolis is a consistent topper on various lists about the best up and coming cities in the US. For chemists, there are so many jobs waiting in the state. It might not pay as much as other states would, but get consolation from their living rates that cost basically nothing.

12. Idaho

Annual median wage: $79,180

Cost of living: 89.6

Employment: 250

Idaho’s employment rates for chemists sure do not impress us much, but the balance they strike between wages and expenses caught our attention. It is quite rare for American states to have good wages and equally good living expenses. Most affordable states would have lower paychecks, like Indiana. In this case, if you’re lucky enough to work as a chemist in Idaho, you’ll be able to enjoy your hard-earned money better than if you’re living in more expensive states.

11. Alabama

Annual median wage: $78,450

Cost of living: 91.2

Employment: 710

Less than a thousand jobs for chemists but Alabama made it to the list of best states for chemists, why? The state is known as an affordable place to live and has a cost of living rate that is ideal for most people. The wages they have for chemists hang tight on the average, which is already impressive since most affordable states have been known to pay lesser to their professional workers. Alabama’s balance between income and spendings still prove how it’s easily among your safest bets in the US, whether or not you are a chemist.

10. Maryland

Annual median wage: $106,690

Cost of living: 125

Employment: 3,070

Up next in our list of best states for chemists is Maryland that is popular for being an expensive place to live. Real estate prices and other basic needs expenses soar, but people still see it as an ideal place to call home. The state boasts of amazing job opportunities and has never fallen short of economic developments. No wonder they have impressive employment rates for chemists. The state also ranks second on the highest paying states for chemists. With a few compromises, a decent life with a great job is highly possible there.

9. California

Annual median wage: $84,600

Cost of living: 134.8

Employment: 12,050

As usual, California, the next ne in our list of best states for chemists has the highest employment rates for chemists. This could be because of their high number of manufacturing, pharmaceutical, and hospitals around the state. The wages they offer could attract any chemist, and there would be no problem about job shortage for them. The cost of living rates are expensive as we know them, but when opportunities call, just be prepared to compromise and get it on.

8. Ohio

Annual median wage: $71,760

Cost of living: 93

Employment: 4,310

Despite wages that do not meet the national average, Ohio’s claim to the list of best states for chemists is its affordable cost of living rates. Practical professionals still have to consider how much their net income would be after deducting all the expenses they are required to pay for a month. In this state, you could guarantee that you’d be saving a lot more than the amount you’ll pay for your daily living expenses. Ohio also has great employment rates for chemists.

7. Georgia

Annual median wage: $77,390

Cost of living: 91.4

Employment: 1,410

Up next in our list of best states for chemists is Georgia that is not just a great state to have a getaway, but also an amazing one in which to get a job. Chemists who are lucky enough to get hired in this state can enjoy higher wages than most of America, and also enjoy a huge part of what they earn. If you’re looking for a great balance between how much you will earn and how much of is required to regularly spend, look no further than Georgia.

6. New Jersey

Annual median wage: $83,650

Cost of living: 121

Employment: 5,290

Chemists are in demand in New Jersey, as reflected in their impressively high employment rates for these professionals. The state has always been known for paying more than most American states, and it surely does not disappoint in this occupation. The wages they offer are many notches higher than the average. The cost of living might be a little too much, but when you have learned the art of budgeting, it’s still all good.

5. North Carolina

Annual median wage: $73,040

Cost of living: 94.2

Employment: 3,500

North Carolina’s wages for chemists reflect just the average. That is already a great statistic but it is made even better with the ideally low cost of living rates. The cost of living expenses North Carolina is known for could probably be able to sustain wages lower than this. That being said, chemists are lucky enough to really experience their hard earned money without worrying about bills and rents.

4. Virginia

Annual median wage: $89,430

Cost of living: 100.2

Employment: 1,560

Striking a great balance between the two make Virginia, the next one in our list of best states for chemists, an irresistible contender on where you should get a job and buy a home. Their average cost of living expenses might mean low real estate prices, but if you’re not keen on owning a home just yet, rent wouldn’t cost much as well. Employment rates look just right, not too high, so you should probably send applications now if Virginia sounds good to you.

3. Texas

Annual median wage: $71,670

Cost of living: 90.7

Employment: 6,230

With Texas’ recent booming economy and business developments, this inclusion in the list is not at all surprising. It is in fact highly expected, since the state is also popular for being an affordable state to live in. They have growing demands for various occupations, including chemists. The wages they have might not be too high, but if you think about it and how cheap your daily living expenses would turn out to be, you’d understand why most professionals move to Texas and stay there.

2. Illinois

Annual median wage: $80,630

Cost of living: 95.5

Employment: 3,210

Illinois ranks second in our list of best states for chemists and has a great reputation because of its prestigious universities and stable economy. Recently, it also became popular for providing tons of job opportunities for different occupations. For chemists, Illinois is made perfect with its high wages that go past the national average. The cost of living is affordable, and wouldn’t horribly slash your budget as many states would.

1. Michigan

Annual median wage: $75,800

Cost of living: 88.2

Employment: 2,600

Topping this list of best states for chemists is Michigan, America’s third most affordable state. With cheap rent, cheap food, and cheap basic needs without ever sacrificing quality, no doubt more and more people choose to call this state as their home. For chemists, the wages and employment rates stay pretty much on the average. But come to think of it, when you live in a place where you feel like you get a discount on just about anything, what need would you have for wages too high?

Chemists generally earn more than many people in America, mainly because of the hard work they had to deal with before actually getting the title. To be sure you maximize the earning potential of your profession and have the opportunity to enjoy what you work for, take your pick from the best states for chemists.