Science & Research Pocatello, ID Pop. 56,548

Chemist Salary in Pocatello, Idaho

The median chemist salary in Pocatello, ID is $71,199 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 8.5% below the Idaho state average.

City Median
$71,199
vs State Avg
$-6,624
vs National
$-11,591
Cost of Living
86%

Chemist Pay in Pocatello: What to Expect (2026)

Pocatello offers a median chemist salary of $71,199, which is $6,624 below the Idaho state average of $77,823. Compared to the national median of $82,790, Pocatello pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Pocatello's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $71,199 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $82,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Pocatello an attractive option for chemists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for chemists in Pocatello spans from $41,280 at the 10th percentile to $122,120 at the 90th percentile — a $80,840 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $43,000, while senior chemists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $116,100. Pocatello is a smaller market (pop. 56,548), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Chemist Salary in Pocatello by Experience

In Pocatello, an entry-level chemist earns around $43,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $116,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$43,000
$-7,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$72,240
$-11,760 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$116,100
$-18,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Pocatello, ID

Percentile Pocatello
10th Percentile $41,280
25th Percentile $53,320
Median (50th) $71,199
75th Percentile $93,740
90th Percentile $122,120

Chemist Salary in Other Idaho Cities

Boise, ID
$82,790
Pop. 235,684
Meridian, ID
$81,134
Pop. 117,635
Nampa, ID
$74,511
Pop. 100,200
Idaho Falls, ID
$72,855
Pop. 64,609

How to Become a Chemist in Pocatello

Education

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

Find Chemist Jobs in Pocatello

Browse open chemist positions in Pocatello, ID:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Pocatello

How much does a Chemist make in Pocatello, ID? ▼
The median chemist salary in Pocatello, Idaho is $71,199 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $41,280 (10th percentile) to $122,120 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in Pocatello? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $71,199, a chemist in Pocatello earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Pocatello compare to the Idaho state average for chemist pay? ▼
Pocatello's median chemist salary of $71,199 is 8.5% below the Idaho state average of $77,823. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Pocatello, ID? ▼
Pocatello has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a chemist salary of $71,199 in Pocatello has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in Pocatello? ▼
Most chemist positions in Pocatello 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.