Science & Research Little Rock, AR Pop. 202,591

Chemist Salary in Little Rock, Arkansas

The median chemist salary in Little Rock, AR is $72,027 per year, which is 13% below the national median and 3.6% above the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$72,027
vs State Avg
+$2,483
vs National
$-10,763
Cost of Living
87%

Chemist Pay in Little Rock: What to Expect (2026)

Little Rock offers a median chemist salary of $72,027, which is $2,483 above the Arkansas state average of $69,544. Compared to the national median of $82,790, Little Rock pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Little Rock's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 87% of the national average. This means the $72,027 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $82,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Little Rock an attractive option for chemists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for chemists in Little Rock spans from $41,760 at the 10th percentile to $123,540 at the 90th percentile — a $81,780 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $43,500, while senior chemists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $117,450. With a population of 202,591, Little Rock is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Chemist Salary in Little Rock by Experience

In Little Rock, an entry-level chemist earns around $43,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $117,450 per year. The local cost of living index is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$43,500
$-6,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$73,080
$-10,920 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$117,450
$-17,550 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Little Rock, AR

Percentile Little Rock
10th Percentile $41,760
25th Percentile $53,940
Median (50th) $72,027
75th Percentile $94,830
90th Percentile $123,540

Chemist Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Fayetteville, AR
$72,855
Pop. 93,949
Springdale, AR
$69,544
Pop. 80,433
Jonesboro, AR
$67,888
Pop. 78,576
Fort Smith, AR
$66,232
Pop. 89,142

How to Become a Chemist in Little Rock

Education

Most chemist positions require a bachelor's degree. Little Rock 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 Little Rock may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Chemist Jobs in Little Rock

Browse open chemist positions in Little Rock, AR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Little Rock

How much does a Chemist make in Little Rock, AR? ▼
The median chemist salary in Little Rock, Arkansas is $72,027 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $41,760 (10th percentile) to $123,540 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in Little Rock? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $72,027, a chemist in Little Rock earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Little Rock compare to the Arkansas state average for chemist pay? ▼
Little Rock's median chemist salary of $72,027 is 3.6% above the Arkansas state average of $69,544. The local cost of living index is 87% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Little Rock, AR? ▼
Little Rock has a cost of living index of 87% compared to the national average. This means a chemist salary of $72,027 in Little Rock has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in Little Rock? ▼
Most chemist positions in Little Rock 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.