The following is an edited exerpt from the Occupational Outlook Handbook:
Median annual earnings of chemists in May 2004 were $56,060. The middle 50 percent earned between $41,900 and $76,080. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $33,170, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $98,010. Median annual earnings of materials scientists in May 2004 were $72,390. The middle 50 percent earned between $53,350 and $92,340. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $40,030, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $113,460. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of chemists in May 2004 are shown below:
Federal government $80,550 Scientific research and development services 62,460 Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing 57,050 Architectural, engineering, and related services 42,370 The American Chemical Society (ACS)reports that in 2004 the median salary of all of its members with a bachelor�s degree was $62,000; for those with a master�s degree, it was $72,300; and for those with a Ph.D., it was $91,600. The median salary was highest for those working in private industry and lowest for those in academia. According to an ACS survey of recent graduates, inexperienced chemistry graduates with a bachelor�s degree earned a median starting salary of $32,500 in October 2004; those with a master�s degree earned a median salary of $43,600; and those with a Ph.D. had median earnings of $65,000. Among bachelor�s degree graduates, those who had completed internships or had other work experience while in school commanded the highest starting salaries. In 2005, chemists in nonsupervisory, supervisory, and managerial positions in the Federal Government averaged $83,777 a year
If you really perform outstanding works and the World recognizes you, there is such thing as the Nobel Prize you know. $1,000,000 U.S!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nobel_Prize