Science & Research Tuscaloosa, AL Pop. 101,129

Chemist Salary in Tuscaloosa, Alabama

The median chemist salary in Tuscaloosa, AL is $72,855 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% above the Alabama state average.

City Median
$72,855
vs State Avg
+$828
vs National
$-9,935
Cost of Living
88%

Chemist Pay in Tuscaloosa: What to Expect (2026)

Tuscaloosa offers a median chemist salary of $72,855, which is $828 above the Alabama state average of $72,027. Compared to the national median of $82,790, Tuscaloosa pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Tuscaloosa's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $72,855 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $82,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Tuscaloosa an attractive option for chemists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for chemists in Tuscaloosa spans from $42,240 at the 10th percentile to $124,960 at the 90th percentile — a $82,720 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,000, while senior chemists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $118,800. With a population of 101,129, Tuscaloosa is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Chemist Salary in Tuscaloosa by Experience

In Tuscaloosa, an entry-level chemist earns around $44,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $118,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,000
$-6,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$73,920
$-10,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$118,800
$-16,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tuscaloosa, AL

Percentile Tuscaloosa
10th Percentile $42,240
25th Percentile $54,560
Median (50th) $72,855
75th Percentile $95,920
90th Percentile $124,960

Chemist Salary in Other Alabama Cities

Huntsville, AL
$76,167
Pop. 216,963
Birmingham, AL
$74,511
Pop. 197,575
Montgomery, AL
$71,199
Pop. 200,603
Mobile, AL
$70,372
Pop. 187,041

How to Become a Chemist in Tuscaloosa

Education

Most chemist positions require a bachelor's degree. Tuscaloosa and the surrounding Alabama area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Analytical ChemistryLab TechniquesSpectroscopyHPLCQuality ControlResearch Methods

Job Outlook

Nationally, chemist employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Tuscaloosa may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Chemist Jobs in Tuscaloosa

Browse open chemist positions in Tuscaloosa, AL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Tuscaloosa

How much does a Chemist make in Tuscaloosa, AL? ▼
The median chemist salary in Tuscaloosa, Alabama is $72,855 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $42,240 (10th percentile) to $124,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in Tuscaloosa? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $72,855, a chemist in Tuscaloosa earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tuscaloosa compare to the Alabama state average for chemist pay? ▼
Tuscaloosa's median chemist salary of $72,855 is 1.1% above the Alabama state average of $72,027. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tuscaloosa, AL? ▼
Tuscaloosa has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a chemist salary of $72,855 in Tuscaloosa has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in Tuscaloosa? ▼
Most chemist positions in Tuscaloosa require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Analytical Chemistry, Lab Techniques, Spectroscopy, HPLC. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.