Science & Research Anchorage, AK Pop. 291,247

Chemist Salary in Anchorage, Alaska

The median chemist salary in Anchorage, AK is $104,315 per year, which is 26.0% above the national median and 1.6% above the Alaska state average.

City Median
$104,315
vs State Avg
+$1,655
vs National
+$21,525
Cost of Living
126%

Chemist Pay in Anchorage: What to Expect (2026)

Anchorage offers a median chemist salary of $104,315, which is $1,655 above the Alaska state average of $102,660. Compared to the national median of $82,790, Anchorage pays above average for this role.

However, Anchorage's cost of living index is 126%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $104,315 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $82,790. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Anchorage should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for chemists in Anchorage spans from $60,480 at the 10th percentile to $178,920 at the 90th percentile — a $118,440 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $63,000, while senior chemists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $170,100. With a population of 291,247, Anchorage is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Chemist Salary in Anchorage by Experience

In Anchorage, an entry-level chemist earns around $63,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $170,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 126% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$63,000
+$13,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$105,840
+$21,840 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$170,100
+$35,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Anchorage, AK

Percentile Anchorage
10th Percentile $60,480
25th Percentile $78,120
Median (50th) $104,315
75th Percentile $137,340
90th Percentile $178,920

Chemist Salary in Other Alaska Cities

Juneau, AK
$111,767
Pop. 32,255
Sitka, AK
$109,283
Pop. 8,458
Fairbanks, AK
$107,627
Pop. 32,325
Wasilla, AK
$97,692
Pop. 12,000

How to Become a Chemist in Anchorage

Education

Most chemist positions require a bachelor's degree. Anchorage and the surrounding Alaska 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 Anchorage may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Chemist Jobs in Anchorage

Browse open chemist positions in Anchorage, AK:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Anchorage

How much does a Chemist make in Anchorage, AK? ▼
The median chemist salary in Anchorage, Alaska is $104,315 per year, which is 26.0% above the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $60,480 (10th percentile) to $178,920 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in Anchorage? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $104,315, a chemist in Anchorage earns approximately $50 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Anchorage compare to the Alaska state average for chemist pay? ▼
Anchorage's median chemist salary of $104,315 is 1.6% above the Alaska state average of $102,660. The local cost of living index is 126% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Anchorage, AK? ▼
Anchorage has a cost of living index of 126% compared to the national average. This means a chemist salary of $104,315 in Anchorage has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in Anchorage? ▼
Most chemist positions in Anchorage 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.