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Hair Color Chemist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bright Innovation Labs

Senior R&D Chemist

Coolidge, AZ · On-site

Research & Development Chemist The R&D Chemists' primary responsibility is to focus on Innovation ... Understand market trends in the hair lightening, color and treatment market segments and develop ...

Bright Innovation Labs

Senior R&D Chemist

Coolidge, AZ · On-site

Research & Development Chemist The R&D Chemists' primary responsibility is to focus on Innovation ... Understand market trends in the hair lightening, color and treatment market segments and develop ...

Developlus, Inc.

Quality Assurance Lab Technician

Corona, CA · On-site

$20.50 - $25.75/hr

Conduct routine wet chemistry and physical property testing such as pH, viscosity, specific gravity, and color comparison. * Prepare hair color swatches, inspect and conduct color comparison using ...

First Solar

Chemist Specialist II (A crew)

Perrysburg, OH · On-site

$23.37 - $32.69/hr

... hair). Potential candidates will meet the education and experience requirements provided on the ... color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or ...

voyant

Chemist, Analytical, 2nd Shift

Ridgefield, NJ · On-site

This can include skincare, haircare, bath and body products, fragrances, and more. Essentially ... religion, sex, color, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability or veteran status.

First Solar

Chemist Specialist II (A crew)

Perrysburg, OH · On-site

$23.37 - $32.69/hr

... hair). Potential candidates will meet the education and experience requirements provided on the ... color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or ...

System One Holdings, LLC

Hair Care Scientist

NJ · On-site

$70/hr

Bachelor's or Master's in Cosmetic Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical ... All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color ...

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Hair Color Chemist information

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How much do hair color chemist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for hair color chemist in the United States is $30.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $35.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Hair Color Chemists when developing new product formulations?

Hair Color Chemists often encounter challenges such as ensuring color consistency across different hair types, formulating products that meet both regulatory standards and consumer safety expectations, and balancing performance with environmental sustainability. They must also keep up with evolving trends and ingredients, requiring constant innovation while maintaining product stability and shelf life. Collaboration with marketing, regulatory, and manufacturing teams is essential to ensure the final product meets all technical, safety, and aesthetic requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Hair Color Chemist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hair Color Chemist, you need a strong background in chemistry, cosmetic science, and product formulation, often supported by a degree in chemistry or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, formulation software, and regulatory standards such as FDA and EU cosmetic regulations is typically required. Attention to detail, creativity, and strong problem-solving abilities are key soft skills that help in developing innovative and effective products. These skills ensure product safety, efficacy, and regulatory compliance, which are critical for success in the competitive hair care industry.

How much does a color chemist make?

The average salary for a hair color chemist ranges from $50,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced chemists with specialized skills can earn higher salaries, often supplemented by benefits and bonuses.

What does a Hair Color Chemist do?

A Hair Color Chemist is a specialized professional who formulates, tests, and improves hair color products. They work with various chemicals and ingredients to create safe, effective, and desirable hair dyes. Their responsibilities include developing new color shades, ensuring product safety and compliance with regulations, and conducting stability and performance tests. Hair Color Chemists often collaborate with marketing and regulatory teams to bring innovative products to market.

What is the difference between Hair Color Chemist vs Hair Color Technician?

AspectHair Color ChemistHair Color Technician
CredentialsDegree in Chemistry or Cosmetology, certifications in hair coloringCosmetology license, specialized training in hair coloring
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, product development settingsSalons, hair styling environments
Industry UsageProduct formulation, research, and developmentApplying hair color, client consultations

The main difference is that a Hair Color Chemist focuses on developing and testing hair color products in labs, requiring scientific credentials, while a Hair Color Technician applies these products in salons, working directly with clients. Both roles are essential in the hair coloring industry but serve different functions and environments.

Do cosmetic chemists make a lot of money?

Hair color chemists, a type of cosmetic chemist, typically earn a median annual salary that varies based on experience, education, and location, often ranging from $50,000 to $80,000. Advanced roles or those with specialized skills in formulation and product development can earn higher salaries, especially with industry experience and certifications.

What is the highest paid chemist job?

The highest paid chemist roles are often in pharmaceutical research, chemical engineering, or senior management positions, with salaries exceeding $150,000 annually. Chemists with advanced degrees, specialized skills, and experience in industry-leading companies tend to earn the highest compensation.

How to become a color chemist?

To become a hair color chemist, typically a bachelor's degree in chemistry, cosmetic science, or a related field is required. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions in cosmetic or chemical laboratories, along with knowledge of formulation and safety regulations, is also important.
More about Hair Color Chemist jobs
What states have the most Hair Color Chemist jobs? States with the most job openings for Hair Color Chemist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Hair Color Chemist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Hair Color Chemist jobs are:
Hair Color Chemist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hair Color Chemist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 98% Full Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,466 per year, or $31 per hour.
Senior R&D Chemist

Senior R&D Chemist

Bright Innovation Labs

Coolidge, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Research & Development Chemist

The R&D Chemists' primary responsibility is to focus on Innovation and New Product Development activities for the Hair Lightening, Hair Color and Hair Treatments market segments.

To perform in this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Functions include:

  • Develop new hair lightening formulations and additive packages to improve current portfolio offerings to customers.
  • Understand market trends in the hair lightening, color and treatment market segments and develop new innovative products to meet emerging market trends
  • Benchmarking alternative hair lightening technology performance against Bright Innovation Labs current offerings
  • Reverse engineer current market products to understand competitive
  • Create formulas for new products submissions to support new business development activities
  • Enhance and/or modify existing formulas and procedures to fit the needs of the Bright Innovation Labs
  • Ensure the integrity and quality of customer's formulations, evaluate opportunities to improve existing customer formulations, and lead customer reformulation efforts
  • Learn the newest technologies and ingredients offered in the field by meeting with vendors, attending seminars
  • Monitor upscaling activities for first 3 production batches to ensure stringent customer quality requirements
  • Research and understand the function and marketing claims of each ingredient within a formula and build robust additives portfolio
  • Develop and understand regulatory compliance for all additive ingredients and map out risk to current portfolio
  • Promote compliance with Bright Innovation Laboratories policies, procedures, quality standards and current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) as well as safety and environmental regulations. Participate, as required, in safety and GMP training sessions, and other company training sessions

Competencies

  • Enthusiasm about innovation and new product development in the Hair care space
  • Ability to work safely and perform work with minimal supervision and guidance Capable of working effectively as part of a multifunctional team
  • Ability to multi-task and must be a self-starter

Position Type / Work Hours

    • This is a full-time salaried position expected to work Monday through Friday.

Travel

    • Minimal is expected for this position.

Required Education & Experience

    • Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in Chemistry or related science.
    • Must have a minimum of 6 years' experience in new business development and product innovation

Work Authorization


All employment offers are contingent on passing a pre-employment drug screen and background check.

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