Science & Research Kansas (KS) Rank #45 of 50

Chemist Salary in Kansas

The median chemist salary in Kansas is $72,027 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $82,790.

Median Salary
$72,027
vs National
$-10,763
State Rank
#45 of 50
Cost of Living
87%

Chemist Salary Overview in Kansas (2026)

Kansas ranks #45 out of 50 states for chemist compensation. Chemist salaries in Kansas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $72,027 per year, chemists in Kansas earn $10,763 less than the national median of $82,790.

A key advantage of working in Kansas is its below-average cost of living (87% of the national index). This means the $72,027 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $82,790 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Kansas is significant: chemists at the 10th percentile earn $41,760, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $123,540 — a $81,780 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Kansas for this role is Overland Park, where the median reaches $79,478.

Nationally, chemist employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for chemists across the country.

Chemist Salary in Kansas by Experience

In Kansas, an entry-level chemist earns around $43,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $117,450 per year. The cost of living index in Kansas 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

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Salary Percentiles in Kansas

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

Chemist Salary by City in Kansas

The largest employment areas for chemists in Kansas include Wichita, Overland Park, Kansas City, and Topeka. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Chemist in Kansas

Education

Most chemist positions require a bachelor's degree. Kansas has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Analytical ChemistryLab TechniquesSpectroscopyHPLCQuality ControlResearch Methods

Job Outlook in Kansas

Nationally, chemist employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Kansas's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Kansas

How much does a Chemist make in Kansas? ▼
The median chemist salary in Kansas 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 Kansas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $72,027, a chemist in Kansas earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Kansas a good state for chemists? ▼
Kansas ranks #45 out of 50 states for chemist pay. The cost of living index is 87% of the national average. Entry-level chemists earn $43,500, while senior professionals earn $117,450.
How does Kansas compare to other states for chemist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for chemists is Hawaii at $140,743. Kansas's median of $72,027 ranks #45 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include South Dakota ($72,855) and Alabama ($72,027).
What is the entry-level chemist salary in Kansas? ▼
An entry-level chemist in Kansas earns approximately $43,500 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $73,080. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $117,450.
What city in Kansas pays chemists the most? ▼
Overland Park is the highest paying city in Kansas for chemists, with a median salary of $79,478. Other cities include Wichita and Kansas City.