Science & Research Athens, GA Pop. 127,064

Chemist Salary in Athens, Georgia

The median chemist salary in Athens, GA is $74,511 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 3.2% below the Georgia state average.

City Median
$74,511
vs State Avg
$-2,484
vs National
$-8,279
Cost of Living
90%

Chemist Pay in Athens: What to Expect (2026)

Athens offers a median chemist salary of $74,511, which is $2,484 below the Georgia state average of $76,995. Compared to the national median of $82,790, Athens pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Athens's cost of living is 90% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for chemists in Athens spans from $43,200 at the 10th percentile to $127,800 at the 90th percentile — a $84,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $45,000, while senior chemists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $121,500. With a population of 127,064, Athens is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Chemist Salary in Athens by Experience

In Athens, an entry-level chemist earns around $45,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $121,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,000
$-5,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$75,600
$-8,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$121,500
$-13,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Athens, GA

Percentile Athens
10th Percentile $43,200
25th Percentile $55,800
Median (50th) $74,511
75th Percentile $98,100
90th Percentile $127,800

Chemist Salary in Other Georgia Cities

How to Become a Chemist in Athens

Education

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

Find Chemist Jobs in Athens

Browse open chemist positions in Athens, GA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Athens

How much does a Chemist make in Athens, GA? ▼
The median chemist salary in Athens, Georgia is $74,511 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $43,200 (10th percentile) to $127,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in Athens? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $74,511, a chemist in Athens earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Athens compare to the Georgia state average for chemist pay? ▼
Athens's median chemist salary of $74,511 is 3.2% below the Georgia state average of $76,995. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Athens, GA? ▼
Athens has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a chemist salary of $74,511 in Athens has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in Athens? ▼
Most chemist positions in Athens 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.