ScienceUpdated Q1 2026

Chemist Salary
in Meridian, ID

Investigate the properties and composition of matter to develop new products and materials. Median salary in Meridian: $84K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$84K
per year
Take-home: $54K

Salary range in Meridian

Entry level (25th)$61,000
Median (50th)$84,000
Senior (75th)$113,000
Top earner (90th)$149,000
Data freshness

Figures represent annual base salary in Meridian, Idaho. Reviewed by SalaryOptics Editorial Β· How we calculate this β†’

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What the numbers say for Meridian

Analysis derived from the salary, COL, tax, and labor-market figures above β€” specific to this role and city.

5% premium vs national median

Chemists in Meridian earn approximately 5% higher than the US national median for this role β€” a $4,000 premium on annual base salary. This reflects Meridian's position as a higher-cost labor market where employers must match local wage norms.

Rent eats 33% of take-home

Average 1-bedroom rent in Meridian ($1,500/mo) consumes approximately 33% of an after-tax median Chemist salary. Financial planners typically recommend keeping housing under 30% of take-home β€” a salary at the 75th percentile ($113K) brings that ratio into a more comfortable range here.

Key facts for Meridian

Median salary
$84K
annual
Take-home pay
$54K
after fed/state tax
COL index
105
100 = US avg
State income tax
5.8%
effective rate
Avg 1BR rent
$1,500
per month
YoY growth
+3.2%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Meridian Chemist to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $84K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast β€” Meridian

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Chemist salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED β†’$70K$76K$83K$89K$95K201920212023202520272029
2026
$86K
projected
2027
$88K
projected
2028
$90K
projected
2029
$93K
projected
2030
$95K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$84,000+$0
2028 projected$84,000+$0
2029 projected$84,000+$0
2030 projected$84,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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Chemist Salary in Meridian, Idaho: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Chemist salary in Meridian, ID is $84,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Meridian–ID metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Chemist in Meridian

Entry-level Chemists in Meridian with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $61,000 and $84,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $84,000 to $113,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $113,000 to $149,000 or more.

Cost of living in Meridian for Chemists

Meridian has a cost of living index of 105 compared to the US national average of 100. Living costs in Meridian are close to the national average. Idaho has a 5.8% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Chemist

Bachelor's or PhD in Chemistry. 22% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.

Chemist salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Meridian (current)$84K105
Boise$86K108
Nampa$78K98