U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense) / Department of Homeland Security / Chemistry

Job-title file

Chemistry at Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Federal Government

Carry out the duties of this position in support of the agency's public mission.

24 employees hold this title in Department of Homeland Security. Median total compensation for the role is $153,471, above the department median of $113,140.

Employees: 24
Total payroll: $3.8M
Role median: $153,471
Agency median: $113,140
Comparison: Above

What the records show

Role pay distribution

Pay distribution for this role

$94,306$197,200+

Hover a bar for its range; click to filter the list below.

How total compensation varies among the 24 people in this role. Even for one job title, pay differs with seniority, step, overtime, and tenure. Each bar is a pay range; the far-right bar collects the highest earners.

Compared with the local labor market

Chemistry pay vs. the United States

Across all employers in the United States, the median wage for Chemists — about 82,770 people — is $91,240. Department of Homeland Security pays a median base salary of $152,471 for this role, 67% above that figure — about the 86th percentile of local pay for the occupation.

Where Department of Homeland Security sits in the local pay range

10th

25th

Median

75th

90th

$58,460

$69,460

$91,240

$125,550

$160,830

Department of Homeland Security median · $152,471

The bar is the range of annual wages for Chemists across every employer in the United States, from the 10th to the 90th percentile, with the middle 50% highlighted. The marker shows Department of Homeland Security’s median base salary for this role. Both figures are base pay only.

Median total compensation for this role at Department of Homeland Security is $153,471, which includes overtime and employer-paid benefits. The benchmark above excludes both, so total compensation is deliberately not compared against it.

Benchmark: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025). BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) covers all employers in the area — private, non-profit, and government alike — so this is a comparison against the whole local labor market for the occupation, not against private-sector pay. OEWS wages are straight-time pay and exclude overtime, shift differentials, and employer-paid benefits, so the government figure shown here is base pay on the same basis. Total compensation is not comparable to it. Job titles are matched to the closest standard occupation, so the comparison is between similar work rather than an identical job classification.

Compare departments

This role across U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense)

Chemistry is held in 21 U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense) departments. In Department of Homeland Security, the median of $153,471 ranks #10 of 21.

Highest-paying departments for this role

National Science Foundation

$204,800 · 31

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

$197,200 · 3

Department of Energy

$196,700 · 20

Office of National Drug Control Policy

$191,850 · 1

Smithsonian Institution

$187,093 · 1

National Transportation Safety Board

$182,295 · 1

Department of Commerce

$162,015 · 298

Office of Management and Budget

$161,083 · 2

Department of Veterans Affairs

$153,823 · 38

Department of Health and Human Services

$152,606 · 1,836

Consumer Product Safety Commission

$141,381 · 14

Department of Transportation

$138,687 · 29

Median total compensation for the Chemistry role in other U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense)departments (highest first). Each bar links to that department’s page for this role.

Same department

Other job titles in Department of Homeland Security

Accounting 456
Accounting Technician 316
Administrative Officer 152
Aircraft Mechanic 141
Auditing 354
Budget Analysis 540
Civil Engineering 235
Civil Rights Analysis 121
Construction Analyst 104
Contracting 1,480
DHS Cybersecurity Specialist (For DHS Use Only) 227
Economist 119
Education and Vocational Training 106
Electrician 122
Emergency Management Specialist 12,989
Engineering Technical 108
Environmental Protection Specialist 1,071
Equal Employment Opportunity 182
Equipment Facilities, and Services 162
Equipment Services 129
Financial Administration and Program 1,075
Fire Protection and Prevention 113
General Attorney 1,405
General Business and Industry 364
General Engineering 464
General Legal and Kindred Administration 511
General Supply 102
Government Information Specialist 411
Grants Management 497
Human Resources Assistance 245
Human Resources Management 2,143
Information Technology Management 5,251
Instructional Systems 194
Inventory Management 217
Language Specialist 105
Legal Instruments Examining 142
Logistics Management 711
Maintenance Mechanic 290
Management and Program Analysis 8,957
Management and Program Clerical and Assistance 497
Marine Machinery Mechanic 116
Materials Handler 170
Miscellaneous Administration and Program 9,520
Miscellaneous Clerk and Assistant 621
Operations Research 200
Painting 116
Paralegal Specialist 131
Program Management 1,343
Public Affairs 533
Safety and Occupational Health Management 216
Secretary 137
Security Administration 1,639
Security Clerical and Assistance 1,160
Social Science 159
Supply Clerical and Technician 106
Supply Program Management 1,007
Telecommunications 431
Training Instruction 886
Transportation Operations 209
Transportation Specialist 197

Record list

Employees with this title

Page 1

Shannon Fox

Chemistry/Department of Homeland Security

2026 total comp

$197,200

Sub-department: Science and Technology Directorate
Base pay: $197,200
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $197,200
Pay grade: 15
Work city: Aberdeen
Work state: Maryland
Middle name: B

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $197,200
Agency Code (OPM): HS
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): HSFA
Basic Pay (before locality): $155,875
Duty Station Code: 240010025
Duty Station State: MD
Length of Service (Years): 15
Occupation Code (OPM): 1320

Shannon Fox holds the role of Chemistry at Department of Homeland Security based in Aberdeen, Maryland. In 2026, their total compensation was $197,200. Their pay grade is 15.

Rachel Gooding

Chemistry/Department of Homeland Security

2026 total comp

$197,200

Sub-department: Science and Technology Directorate
Base pay: $197,200
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $197,200
Pay grade: 15
Work city: Aberdeen
Work state: Maryland
Middle name: E

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $197,200
Agency Code (OPM): HS
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): HSFA
Basic Pay (before locality): $160,088
Duty Station Code: 240010025
Duty Station State: MD
Length of Service (Years): 30
Occupation Code (OPM): 1320

At Department of Homeland Security, Rachel Gooding serves as a Chemistry based in Aberdeen, Maryland. Their 2026 pay totaled $197,200. They are classified at grade 15.

Jason Stairs

Chemistry/Department of Homeland Security

2026 total comp

$197,200

Sub-department: Science and Technology Directorate
Base pay: $197,200
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $197,200
Pay grade: 15
Work city: Atlantic City
Work state: New Jersey

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $197,200
Agency Code (OPM): HS
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): HSFA
Basic Pay (before locality): $160,088
Duty Station Code: 340090001
Duty Station State: NJ
Length of Service (Years): 20
Occupation Code (OPM): 1320

At Department of Homeland Security, Jason Stairs serves as a Chemistry based in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Their 2026 pay totaled $197,200. They are classified at grade 15.

Jeffrey Barber

Chemistry/Department of Homeland Security

2026 total comp

$195,629

Sub-department: Science and Technology Directorate
Base pay: $195,629
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $195,629
Pay grade: 15
Work city: Atlantic City
Work state: New Jersey
Middle name: B

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $195,629
Agency Code (OPM): HS
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): HSFA
Basic Pay (before locality): $151,662
Duty Station Code: 340090001
Duty Station State: NJ
Length of Service (Years): 27
Occupation Code (OPM): 1320

Jeffrey Barber is a Chemistry at Department of Homeland Security based in Atlantic City, New Jersey. 2026 total compensation came to $195,629. They are classified at grade 15.

Thomas Colley

Chemistry/Department of Homeland Security

2024 total comp

$191,900

Sub-department: Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
Base pay: $191,900
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $191,900
Pay grade: 15
Work city: South Riding
Work state: Virginia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $191,900
Agency Code (OPM): HS
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): HSCA
Basic Pay (before locality): $155,849
Duty Station Code: 512293107
Duty Station State: VA
Length of Service (Years): 27
Occupation Code (OPM): 1320

Thomas Colley is a Chemistry at Department of Homeland Security based in South Riding, Virginia. 2024 total compensation came to $191,900. They are classified at grade 15.

David Morton

Chemistry/Department of Homeland Security

2026 total comp

$187,093

Sub-department: Science and Technology Directorate
Base pay: $187,093
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $187,093
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Aberdeen
Work state: Maryland
Middle name: W

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $187,093
Agency Code (OPM): HS
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): HSFA
Basic Pay (before locality): $139,684
Duty Station Code: 240010025
Duty Station State: MD
Length of Service (Years): 19
Occupation Code (OPM): 1320

David Morton is a Chemistry at Department of Homeland Security based in Aberdeen, Maryland. 2026 total compensation came to $187,093. They are classified at grade 14.

David Reed

Chemistry/Department of Homeland Security

2025 total comp

$185,234

Sub-department: Science and Technology Directorate
Base pay: $185,234
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $185,234
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Aberdeen
Work state: Maryland
Middle name: A

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $185,234
Agency Code (OPM): HS
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): HSFA
Basic Pay (before locality): $138,296
Duty Station Code: 240010025
Duty Station State: MD
Length of Service (Years): 32
Occupation Code (OPM): 1320

David Reed is a Chemistry at Department of Homeland Security based in Aberdeen, Maryland. 2025 total compensation came to $185,234. They are classified at grade 14.

Jerry Cabalo

Chemistry/Department of Homeland Security

2026 total comp

$182,295

Sub-department: Science and Technology Directorate
Base pay: $182,295
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $182,295
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Aberdeen Prov Grnd
Work state: Maryland
Middle name: B

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $182,295
Agency Code (OPM): HS
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): HSFA
Basic Pay (before locality): $136,102
Duty Station Code: 240015025
Duty Station State: MD
Length of Service (Years): 21
Occupation Code (OPM): 1320

At Department of Homeland Security, Jerry Cabalo serves as a Chemistry based in Aberdeen Prov Grnd, Maryland. Their 2026 pay totaled $182,295. They are classified at grade 14.

Polly Gongwer

Chemistry/Department of Homeland Security

2026 total comp

$180,178

Sub-department: Science and Technology Directorate
Base pay: $180,178
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $180,178
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Atlantic City
Work state: New Jersey
Middle name: E

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $180,178
Agency Code (OPM): HS
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): HSFA
Basic Pay (before locality): $139,684
Duty Station Code: 340090001
Duty Station State: NJ
Length of Service (Years): 29
Occupation Code (OPM): 1320

At Department of Homeland Security, Polly Gongwer serves as a Chemistry based in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Their 2026 pay totaled $180,178. They are classified at grade 14.

Caitlin Kneapler

Chemistry/Department of Homeland Security

2026 total comp

$172,700

Sub-department: DHS Headquarters
Base pay: $172,700
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $172,700
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Annapolis Junc
Work state: Maryland
Middle name: N

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $172,700
Agency Code (OPM): HS
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): HSAA
Basic Pay (before locality): $128,938
Duty Station Code: 240033003
Duty Station State: MD
Length of Service (Years): 5
Occupation Code (OPM): 1320

Caitlin Kneapler works as a Chemistry for Department of Homeland Security based in Annapolis Junc, Maryland. Caitlin earned $172,700 in 2026. Their pay grade is 14.

Sun Mcmasters

Chemistry/Department of Homeland Security

2025 total comp

$170,985

Sub-department: Science and Technology Directorate
Base pay: $170,985
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $170,985
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Aberdeen
Work state: Maryland
Middle name: H

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $170,985
Agency Code (OPM): HS
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): HSFA
Basic Pay (before locality): $127,658
Duty Station Code: 240010025
Duty Station State: MD
Length of Service (Years): 17
Occupation Code (OPM): 1320

Sun Mcmasters is a Chemistry at Department of Homeland Security based in Aberdeen, Maryland. 2025 total compensation came to $170,985. They are classified at grade 14.

Michelle Garraty

Chemistry/Department of Homeland Security

2026 total comp

$154,471

Sub-department: Transportation Security Administration
Base pay: $152,471
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $2,000
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $154,471
Pay grade: I
Work city: Atlantic City
Work state: New Jersey
Middle name: L

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $152,471
Agency Code (OPM): HS
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): HSBC
Basic Pay (before locality): $118,204
Duty Station Code: 340090001
Duty Station State: NJ
Length of Service (Years): 25
Occupation Code (OPM): 1320

Michelle Garraty works as a Chemistry for Department of Homeland Security based in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Michelle earned $154,471 in 2026. Their pay grade is I.

Inho Cho

Chemistry/Department of Homeland Security

2026 total comp

$152,471

Sub-department: Transportation Security Administration
Base pay: $152,471
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $152,471
Pay grade: I
Work city: Atlantic City
Work state: New Jersey

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $152,471
Agency Code (OPM): HS
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): HSBC
Basic Pay (before locality): $118,204
Duty Station Code: 340090001
Duty Station State: NJ
Length of Service (Years): 14
Occupation Code (OPM): 1320

Inho Cho is a Chemistry at Department of Homeland Security based in Atlantic City, New Jersey. 2026 total compensation came to $152,471. They are classified at grade I.

Benjamin Wilkins

Chemistry/Department of Homeland Security

2026 total comp

$147,835

Sub-department: Science and Technology Directorate
Base pay: $147,835
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $147,835
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Atlantic City
Work state: New Jersey
Middle name: P

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $147,835
Agency Code (OPM): HS
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): HSFA
Basic Pay (before locality): $114,610
Duty Station Code: 340090001
Duty Station State: NJ
Length of Service (Years): 7
Occupation Code (OPM): 1320

Benjamin Wilkins works as a Chemistry for Department of Homeland Security based in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Benjamin earned $147,835 in 2026. Their pay grade is 14.

David Hernandez

Chemistry/Department of Homeland Security

2025 total comp

$145,988

Sub-department: Science and Technology Directorate
Base pay: $145,988
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $145,988
Pay grade: 15
Work city: Washington
Work state: District of Columbia
Middle name: J

Source-specific fields

Agency Code (OPM): HS
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): HSFA
Basic Pay (before locality): $145,988
Duty Station Code: 110010001
Duty Station State: DC
Length of Service (Years): 26
Occupation Code (OPM): 1320
Pay Plan: General Schedule

David Hernandez holds the role of Chemistry at Department of Homeland Security based in Washington, District of Columbia. In 2025, their total compensation was $145,988. Their pay grade is 15.

Claudia Dengler

Chemistry/Department of Homeland Security

2026 total comp

$144,652

Sub-department: Science and Technology Directorate
Base pay: $144,652
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $144,652
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Atlantic City
Work state: New Jersey
Middle name: G

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $144,652
Agency Code (OPM): HS
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): HSFA
Basic Pay (before locality): $112,142
Duty Station Code: 340090001
Duty Station State: NJ
Length of Service (Years): 12
Occupation Code (OPM): 1320

Claudia Dengler holds the role of Chemistry at Department of Homeland Security based in Atlantic City, New Jersey. In 2026, their total compensation was $144,652. Their pay grade is 13.

Alicia Broderick

Chemistry/Department of Homeland Security

2026 total comp

$143,215

Sub-department: Science and Technology Directorate
Base pay: $143,215
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $143,215
Pay grade: 14
Work city: Atlantic City
Work state: New Jersey
Middle name: M

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $143,215
Agency Code (OPM): HS
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): HSFA
Basic Pay (before locality): $111,028
Duty Station Code: 340090001
Duty Station State: NJ
Length of Service (Years): 15
Occupation Code (OPM): 1320

At Department of Homeland Security, Alicia Broderick serves as a Chemistry based in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Their 2026 pay totaled $143,215. They are classified at grade 14.

Karin Decker

Chemistry/Department of Homeland Security

2025 total comp

$140,749

Sub-department: Science and Technology Directorate
Base pay: $140,749
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $140,749
Pay grade: 13
Work city: New York - New York
Work state: New York
Middle name: M

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $140,749
Agency Code (OPM): HS
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): HSFA
Basic Pay (before locality): $102,029
Duty Station Code: 364170061
Duty Station State: NY
Length of Service (Years): 44
Occupation Code (OPM): 1320

Karin Decker is a Chemistry at Department of Homeland Security based in New York - New York, New York. 2025 total compensation came to $140,749. They are classified at grade 13.

Matthew Magee

Chemistry/Department of Homeland Security

2026 total comp

$140,742

Sub-department: Transportation Security Administration
Base pay: $140,742
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $140,742
Pay grade: I
Work city: Atlantic City
Work state: New Jersey
Middle name: P

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $140,742
Agency Code (OPM): HS
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): HSBC
Basic Pay (before locality): $109,111
Duty Station Code: 340090001
Duty Station State: NJ
Length of Service (Years): 13
Occupation Code (OPM): 1320

At Department of Homeland Security, Matthew Magee serves as a Chemistry based in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Their 2026 pay totaled $140,742. They are classified at grade I.

Johnny Perez

Chemistry/Department of Homeland Security

2026 total comp

$140,742

Sub-department: Science and Technology Directorate
Base pay: $140,742
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $140,742
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Atlantic City
Work state: New Jersey
Middle name: J

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $140,742
Agency Code (OPM): HS
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): HSFA
Basic Pay (before locality): $109,111
Duty Station Code: 340090001
Duty Station State: NJ
Length of Service (Years): 11
Occupation Code (OPM): 1320

At Department of Homeland Security, Johnny Perez serves as a Chemistry based in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Their 2026 pay totaled $140,742. They are classified at grade 13.

Kristy Echols

Chemistry/Department of Homeland Security

2026 total comp

$123,204

Sub-department: United States Coast Guard
Base pay: $118,204
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $5,000
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $123,204
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Invalid
Work state: Invalid
Middle name: L

Source-specific fields

Agency Code (OPM): HS
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): HSAC
Basic Pay (before locality): $118,204
Duty Station Code: *
Duty Station State: *
Length of Service (Years): 25
Occupation Code (OPM): 1320
Pay Plan: General Schedule

Kristy Echols is a Chemistry at Department of Homeland Security based in Invalid, Invalid. 2026 total compensation came to $123,204. They are classified at grade 13.

Hannah Line

Chemistry/Department of Homeland Security

2024 total comp

$120,212

Sub-department: Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
Base pay: $117,962
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $2,250
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $120,212
Pay grade: 13
Work city: Aberdeen Prov Grnd
Work state: Maryland
Middle name: Elizabeth

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $117,962
Agency Code (OPM): HS
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): HSCA
Basic Pay (before locality): $88,520
Duty Station Code: 240015025
Duty Station State: MD
Length of Service (Years): 4
Occupation Code (OPM): 1320

Hannah Line is a Chemistry at Department of Homeland Security based in Aberdeen Prov Grnd, Maryland. 2024 total compensation came to $120,212. They are classified at grade 13.

Latoya Harmon

Chemistry/Department of Homeland Security

2026 total comp

$102,466

Sub-department: Federal Emergency Management Agency
Base pay: $102,466
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $102,466
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Anniston
Work state: Alabama
Middle name: M

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $102,466
Agency Code (OPM): HS
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): HSCB
Basic Pay (before locality): $86,659
Duty Station Code: 010100015
Duty Station State: AL
Length of Service (Years): 6
Occupation Code (OPM): 1320

Latoya Harmon is a Chemistry at Department of Homeland Security based in Anniston, Alabama. 2026 total compensation came to $102,466. They are classified at grade 12.

William Lizik

Chemistry/Department of Homeland Security

2026 total comp

$94,306

Sub-department: United States Coast Guard
Base pay: $94,306
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $94,306
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Invalid
Work state: Invalid
Middle name: A

Source-specific fields

Agency Code (OPM): HS
Agency Sub-element Code (OPM): HSAC
Basic Pay (before locality): $94,306
Duty Station Code: *
Duty Station State: *
Length of Service (Years): 15
Occupation Code (OPM): 1320
Pay Plan: General Schedule

William Lizik holds the role of Chemistry at Department of Homeland Security based in Invalid, Invalid. In 2026, their total compensation was $94,306. Their pay grade is 12.