Science & Research Jonesboro, AR Pop. 78,576

Chemist Salary in Jonesboro, Arkansas

The median chemist salary in Jonesboro, AR is $67,888 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 2.4% below the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$67,888
vs State Avg
$-1,656
vs National
$-14,902
Cost of Living
82%

Chemist Pay in Jonesboro: What to Expect (2026)

Jonesboro offers a median chemist salary of $67,888, which is $1,656 below the Arkansas state average of $69,544. Compared to the national median of $82,790, Jonesboro pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Jonesboro's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $67,888 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $82,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Jonesboro an attractive option for chemists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for chemists in Jonesboro spans from $39,360 at the 10th percentile to $116,440 at the 90th percentile — a $77,080 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $41,000, while senior chemists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $110,700. Jonesboro is a smaller market (pop. 78,576), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Chemist Salary in Jonesboro by Experience

In Jonesboro, an entry-level chemist earns around $41,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $110,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$41,000
$-9,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$68,880
$-15,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$110,700
$-24,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Jonesboro, AR

Percentile Jonesboro
10th Percentile $39,360
25th Percentile $50,840
Median (50th) $67,888
75th Percentile $89,380
90th Percentile $116,440

Chemist Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Fayetteville, AR
$72,855
Pop. 93,949
Little Rock, AR
$72,027
Pop. 202,591
Springdale, AR
$69,544
Pop. 80,433
Fort Smith, AR
$66,232
Pop. 89,142

How to Become a Chemist in Jonesboro

Education

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

Find Chemist Jobs in Jonesboro

Browse open chemist positions in Jonesboro, AR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Jonesboro

How much does a Chemist make in Jonesboro, AR? ▼
The median chemist salary in Jonesboro, Arkansas is $67,888 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $39,360 (10th percentile) to $116,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in Jonesboro? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $67,888, a chemist in Jonesboro earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Jonesboro compare to the Arkansas state average for chemist pay? ▼
Jonesboro's median chemist salary of $67,888 is 2.4% below the Arkansas state average of $69,544. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Jonesboro, AR? ▼
Jonesboro has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a chemist salary of $67,888 in Jonesboro has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in Jonesboro? ▼
Most chemist positions in Jonesboro 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.