U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense) / National Science Foundation / Chemistry

Job-title file

Chemistry

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

28 employees hold this title in National Science Foundation. Median total compensation for the role is $204,000, above the department median of $169,429.

Employees: 28
Total payroll: $5.2M
Role median: $204,000
Agency median: $169,429
Comparison: Above

What the records show

Role pay distribution

Pay distribution for this role

$99,200$205,460+

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

How total compensation varies among the 28 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. National Science Foundation pays a median base salary of $204,000 for this role, 124% above that figure — above the 90th percentile of local pay for the occupation.

Where National Science Foundation sits in the local pay range

10th

25th

Median

75th

90th

$58,460

$69,460

$91,240

$125,550

$160,830

National Science Foundation median · $204,000

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 National Science Foundation’s median base salary for this role. Both figures are base pay only.

Median total compensation for this role at National Science Foundation is $204,000, 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 19 U.S. Federal Government (non-Defense) departments. In National Science Foundation, the median of $204,000 ranks #1 of 19.

Highest-paying departments for this role

Department of Energy

$191,900 · 20

Smithsonian Institution

$181,216 · 1

Office of National Drug Control Policy

$180,359 · 1

Nat Aeronautics and Space Administration

$175,911 · 4

National Transportation Safety Board

$167,276 · 1

Department of Commerce

$155,342 · 290

Department of Veterans Affairs

$147,990 · 38

Department of Homeland Security

$147,583 · 23

Department of Health and Human Services

$143,734 · 1,796

Consumer Product Safety Commission

$133,692 · 15

Department of Treasury

$133,692 · 34

Environmental Protection Agency

$129,759 · 435

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.

Record list

Employees with this title

Page 1

Suk-Wah Tam-Chang

Chemistry/National Science Foundation

2024 total comp

$206,000

Sub-department: National Science Foundation
Base pay: $204,000
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $2,000
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $206,000
Pay grade: 04
Work city: Alexandria
Work county: Alexandria
Work state: Virginia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $204,000
Basic Pay (before locality): $163,012
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 510040510
Length of Service (Years): 12
Occupation Code (OPM): 1320
Pay Plan (OPM): AD

Suk-Wah Tam-Chang works as a Chemistry for National Science Foundation based in Alexandria, Virginia. Suk-Wah earned $206,000 in 2024. Their pay grade is 04.

Catalina Achim

Chemistry/National Science Foundation

2024 total comp

$205,000

Sub-department: National Science Foundation
Base pay: $204,000
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $1,000
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $205,000
Pay grade: 04
Work city: Alexandria
Work county: Alexandria
Work state: Virginia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $204,000
Basic Pay (before locality): $163,012
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 510040510
Length of Service (Years): 5
Occupation Code (OPM): 1320
Pay Plan (OPM): AD

Catalina Achim is a Chemistry at National Science Foundation based in Alexandria, Virginia. 2024 total compensation came to $205,000. They are classified at grade 04.

Richard Dawes

Chemistry/National Science Foundation

2024 total comp

$205,000

Sub-department: National Science Foundation
Base pay: $204,000
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $1,000
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $205,000
Pay grade: 04
Work city: Alexandria
Work county: Alexandria
Work state: Virginia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $204,000
Basic Pay (before locality): $163,012
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 510040510
Length of Service (Years): 4
Occupation Code (OPM): 1320
Pay Plan (OPM): AD

At National Science Foundation, Richard Dawes serves as a Chemistry based in Alexandria, Virginia. Their 2024 pay totaled $205,000. They are classified at grade 04.

John Papanikolas

Chemistry/National Science Foundation

2024 total comp

$205,000

Sub-department: National Science Foundation
Base pay: $204,000
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $1,000
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $205,000
Pay grade: 04
Work city: Alexandria
Work county: Alexandria
Work state: Virginia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $204,000
Basic Pay (before locality): $163,012
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 510040510
Length of Service (Years): 3
Occupation Code (OPM): 1320
Pay Plan (OPM): AD

John Papanikolas works as a Chemistry for National Science Foundation based in Alexandria, Virginia. John earned $205,000 in 2024. Their pay grade is 04.

Jose Almirall

Chemistry/National Science Foundation

2024 total comp

$204,000

Sub-department: National Science Foundation
Base pay: $204,000
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $204,000
Pay grade: 04
Work city: Alexandria
Work county: Alexandria
Work state: Virginia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $204,000
Basic Pay (before locality): $163,012
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 510040510
Length of Service (Years): 7
Occupation Code (OPM): 1320
Pay Plan (OPM): AD

Jose Almirall holds the role of Chemistry at National Science Foundation based in Alexandria, Virginia. In 2024, their total compensation was $204,000. Their pay grade is 04.

Katharine Covert

Chemistry/National Science Foundation

2024 total comp

$204,000

Sub-department: National Science Foundation
Base pay: $204,000
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $204,000
Pay grade: 04
Work city: Alexandria
Work county: Alexandria
Work state: Virginia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $204,000
Basic Pay (before locality): $163,012
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 510040510
Length of Service (Years): 23
Occupation Code (OPM): 1320
Pay Plan (OPM): AD

Katharine Covert is a Chemistry at National Science Foundation based in Alexandria, Virginia. 2024 total compensation came to $204,000. They are classified at grade 04.

Gregory Collins

Chemistry/National Science Foundation

2024 total comp

$204,000

Sub-department: National Science Foundation
Base pay: $204,000
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $204,000
Pay grade: 04
Work city: Alexandria
Work county: Alexandria
Work state: Virginia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $204,000
Basic Pay (before locality): $163,012
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 510040510
Length of Service (Years): 30
Occupation Code (OPM): 1320
Pay Plan (OPM): AD

Gregory Collins works as a Chemistry for National Science Foundation based in Alexandria, Virginia. Gregory earned $204,000 in 2024. Their pay grade is 04.

Kelsey Cook

Chemistry/National Science Foundation

2024 total comp

$204,000

Sub-department: National Science Foundation
Base pay: $204,000
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $204,000
Pay grade: 04
Work city: Alexandria
Work county: Alexandria
Work state: Virginia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $204,000
Basic Pay (before locality): $163,012
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 510040510
Length of Service (Years): 15
Occupation Code (OPM): 1320
Pay Plan (OPM): AD

Kelsey Cook is a Chemistry at National Science Foundation based in Alexandria, Virginia. 2024 total compensation came to $204,000. They are classified at grade 04.

Sylvia Edgerton

Chemistry/National Science Foundation

2024 total comp

$204,000

Sub-department: National Science Foundation
Base pay: $204,000
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $204,000
Pay grade: 04
Work city: Alexandria
Work county: Alexandria
Work state: Virginia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $204,000
Basic Pay (before locality): $163,012
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 510040510
Length of Service (Years): 11
Occupation Code (OPM): 1320
Pay Plan (OPM): AD

Sylvia Edgerton is a Chemistry at National Science Foundation based in Alexandria, Virginia. 2024 total compensation came to $204,000. They are classified at grade 04.

Colby Foss

Chemistry/National Science Foundation

2024 total comp

$204,000

Sub-department: National Science Foundation
Base pay: $204,000
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $204,000
Pay grade: 04
Work city: Alexandria
Work county: Alexandria
Work state: Virginia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $204,000
Basic Pay (before locality): $163,012
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 510040510
Length of Service (Years): 17
Occupation Code (OPM): 1320
Pay Plan (OPM): AD

At National Science Foundation, Colby Foss serves as a Chemistry based in Alexandria, Virginia. Their 2024 pay totaled $204,000. They are classified at grade 04.

Bruce Hamilton

Chemistry/National Science Foundation

2024 total comp

$204,000

Sub-department: National Science Foundation
Base pay: $204,000
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $204,000
Pay grade: 04
Work city: Alexandria
Work county: Alexandria
Work state: Virginia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $204,000
Basic Pay (before locality): $163,012
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 510040510
Length of Service (Years): 27
Occupation Code (OPM): 1320
Pay Plan (OPM): AD

Bruce Hamilton is a Chemistry at National Science Foundation based in Alexandria, Virginia. 2024 total compensation came to $204,000. They are classified at grade 04.

Tingyu Li

Chemistry/National Science Foundation

2024 total comp

$204,000

Sub-department: National Science Foundation
Base pay: $204,000
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $204,000
Pay grade: 04
Work city: Alexandria
Work county: Alexandria
Work state: Virginia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $204,000
Basic Pay (before locality): $163,012
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 510040510
Length of Service (Years): 16
Occupation Code (OPM): 1320
Pay Plan (OPM): AD

Tingyu Li works as a Chemistry for National Science Foundation based in Alexandria, Virginia. Tingyu earned $204,000 in 2024. Their pay grade is 04.

Kenneth Moloy

Chemistry/National Science Foundation

2024 total comp

$204,000

Sub-department: National Science Foundation
Base pay: $204,000
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $204,000
Pay grade: 04
Work city: Alexandria
Work county: Alexandria
Work state: Virginia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $204,000
Basic Pay (before locality): $163,012
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 510040510
Length of Service (Years): 7
Occupation Code (OPM): 1320
Pay Plan (OPM): AD

Kenneth Moloy works as a Chemistry for National Science Foundation based in Alexandria, Virginia. Kenneth earned $204,000 in 2024. Their pay grade is 04.

Dawn Rickey

Chemistry/National Science Foundation

2024 total comp

$204,000

Sub-department: National Science Foundation
Base pay: $204,000
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $204,000
Pay grade: 04
Work city: Alexandria
Work county: Alexandria
Work state: Virginia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $204,000
Basic Pay (before locality): $163,012
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 510040510
Length of Service (Years): 9
Occupation Code (OPM): 1320
Pay Plan (OPM): AD

Dawn Rickey holds the role of Chemistry at National Science Foundation based in Alexandria, Virginia. In 2024, their total compensation was $204,000. Their pay grade is 04.

Brandi Schottel

Chemistry/National Science Foundation

2024 total comp

$204,000

Sub-department: National Science Foundation
Base pay: $204,000
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $204,000
Pay grade: 04
Work city: Alexandria
Work county: Alexandria
Work state: Virginia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $204,000
Basic Pay (before locality): $161,878
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 510040510
Length of Service (Years): 8
Occupation Code (OPM): 1320
Pay Plan (OPM): AD

Brandi Schottel works as a Chemistry for National Science Foundation based in Alexandria, Virginia. Brandi earned $204,000 in 2024. Their pay grade is 04.

Anne-Marie Schmoltner

Chemistry/National Science Foundation

2024 total comp

$204,000

Sub-department: National Science Foundation
Base pay: $204,000
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $204,000
Pay grade: 04
Work city: Alexandria
Work county: Alexandria
Work state: Virginia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $204,000
Basic Pay (before locality): $163,012
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 510040510
Length of Service (Years): 28
Occupation Code (OPM): 1320
Pay Plan (OPM): AD

Anne-Marie Schmoltner is a Chemistry at National Science Foundation based in Alexandria, Virginia. 2024 total compensation came to $204,000. They are classified at grade 04.

John Jewett

Chemistry/National Science Foundation

2024 total comp

$183,478

Sub-department: National Science Foundation
Base pay: $183,478
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $183,478
Pay grade: 04
Work city: Alexandria
Work county: Alexandria
Work state: Virginia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $183,478
Basic Pay (before locality): $137,684
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 510040510
Length of Service (Years): 0
Occupation Code (OPM): 1320
Pay Plan (OPM): AD

At National Science Foundation, John Jewett serves as a Chemistry based in Alexandria, Virginia. Their 2024 pay totaled $183,478. They are classified at grade 04.

Ryan Jorn

Chemistry/National Science Foundation

2024 total comp

$182,192

Sub-department: National Science Foundation
Base pay: $182,192
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $182,192
Pay grade: 04
Work city: Alexandria
Work county: Alexandria
Work state: Virginia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $182,192
Basic Pay (before locality): $136,719
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 510040510
Length of Service (Years): 7
Occupation Code (OPM): 1320
Pay Plan (OPM): AD

Ryan Jorn holds the role of Chemistry at National Science Foundation based in Alexandria, Virginia. In 2024, their total compensation was $182,192. Their pay grade is 04.

Tanya Whitmer

Chemistry/National Science Foundation

2024 total comp

$174,516

Sub-department: National Science Foundation
Base pay: $174,516
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $174,516
Pay grade: 04
Work city: Alexandria
Work county: Alexandria
Work state: Virginia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $174,516
Basic Pay (before locality): $130,959
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 510040510
Length of Service (Years): 0
Occupation Code (OPM): 1320
Pay Plan (OPM): AD

Tanya Whitmer works as a Chemistry for National Science Foundation based in Alexandria, Virginia. Tanya earned $174,516 in 2024. Their pay grade is 04.

Sarah Wold

Chemistry/National Science Foundation

2024 total comp

$169,429

Sub-department: National Science Foundation
Base pay: $169,429
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $169,429
Pay grade: 04
Work city: Alexandria
Work county: Alexandria
Work state: Virginia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $169,429
Basic Pay (before locality): $127,142
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 510040510
Length of Service (Years): 6
Occupation Code (OPM): 1320
Pay Plan (OPM): AD

At National Science Foundation, Sarah Wold serves as a Chemistry based in Alexandria, Virginia. Their 2024 pay totaled $169,429. They are classified at grade 04.

Richard Johnson

Chemistry/National Science Foundation

2024 total comp

$159,916

Sub-department: National Science Foundation
Base pay: $159,916
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $159,916
Pay grade: 00
Work city: Durham
Work county: Strafford
Work state: New Hampshire

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $159,916
Basic Pay (before locality): $159,916
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 330100017
Length of Service (Years): 2
Occupation Code (OPM): 1320
Pay Plan (OPM): EE

At National Science Foundation, Richard Johnson serves as a Chemistry based in Durham, New Hampshire. Their 2024 pay totaled $159,916. They are classified at grade 00.

Laura Anderson

Chemistry/National Science Foundation

2024 total comp

$159,916

Sub-department: National Science Foundation
Base pay: $159,916
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $159,916
Pay grade: 00
Work city: Chicago
Work county: Cook
Work state: Illinois

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $159,916
Basic Pay (before locality): $159,916
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 171670031
Length of Service (Years): 8
Occupation Code (OPM): 1320
Pay Plan (OPM): EE

Laura Anderson works as a Chemistry for National Science Foundation based in Chicago, Illinois. Laura earned $159,916 in 2024. Their pay grade is 00.

John Gilje

Chemistry/National Science Foundation

2024 total comp

$159,916

Sub-department: National Science Foundation
Base pay: $159,916
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $159,916
Pay grade: 00
Work city: Harrisonburg
Work county: Harrisonburg
Work state: Virginia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $159,916
Basic Pay (before locality): $159,916
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 511190660
Length of Service (Years): 7
Occupation Code (OPM): 1320
Pay Plan (OPM): EE

At National Science Foundation, John Gilje serves as a Chemistry based in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Their 2024 pay totaled $159,916. They are classified at grade 00.

Pui Ho

Chemistry/National Science Foundation

2024 total comp

$159,916

Sub-department: National Science Foundation
Base pay: $159,916
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $159,916
Pay grade: 00
Work city: Fort Collins
Work county: Larimer
Work state: Colorado

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $159,916
Basic Pay (before locality): $159,916
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 080860069
Length of Service (Years): 1
Occupation Code (OPM): 1320
Pay Plan (OPM): EE

Pui Ho is a Chemistry at National Science Foundation based in Fort Collins, Colorado. 2024 total compensation came to $159,916. They are classified at grade 00.

Catherine Patterson

Chemistry/National Science Foundation

2024 total comp

$159,916

Sub-department: National Science Foundation
Base pay: $159,916
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $159,916
Pay grade: 00
Work city: Los Angeles
Work county: Los Angeles
Work state: California

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $159,916
Basic Pay (before locality): $159,916
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 061980037
Length of Service (Years): 0
Occupation Code (OPM): 1320
Pay Plan (OPM): EE

Catherine Patterson works as a Chemistry for National Science Foundation based in Los Angeles, California. Catherine earned $159,916 in 2024. Their pay grade is 00.

Tong Ren

Chemistry/National Science Foundation

2024 total comp

$159,916

Sub-department: National Science Foundation
Base pay: $159,916
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $159,916
Pay grade: 00
Work city: West Lafayette
Work county: Tippecanoe
Work state: Indiana

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $159,916
Basic Pay (before locality): $159,916
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 185200157
Length of Service (Years): 9
Occupation Code (OPM): 1320
Pay Plan (OPM): EE

Tong Ren works as a Chemistry for National Science Foundation based in West Lafayette, Indiana. Tong earned $159,916 in 2024. Their pay grade is 00.

Tomislav Pintauer

Chemistry/National Science Foundation

2024 total comp

$156,636

Sub-department: National Science Foundation
Base pay: $156,636
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $156,636
Pay grade: 04
Work county: Allegheny
Work state: Pennsylvania

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $156,636
Basic Pay (before locality): $129,687
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 420000003
Length of Service (Years): 2
Occupation Code (OPM): 1320
Pay Plan (OPM): AD

Tomislav Pintauer works as a Chemistry for National Science Foundation based in Pennsylvania. Tomislav earned $156,636 in 2024. Their pay grade is 04.

Margaret Capooci

Chemistry/National Science Foundation

2024 total comp

$99,200

Sub-department: National Science Foundation
Base pay: $99,200
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $99,200
Pay grade: 12
Work city: Alexandria
Work county: Alexandria
Work state: Virginia

Source-specific fields

Adjusted Basic Pay (incl. locality): $99,200
Basic Pay (before locality): $74,441
Country: United States
Duty Station Code: 510040510
Length of Service (Years): 1
Occupation Code (OPM): 1320
Pay Plan (OPM): GS

Margaret Capooci is a Chemistry at National Science Foundation based in Alexandria, Virginia. 2024 total compensation came to $99,200. They are classified at grade 12.