Science & Research Wichita, KS Pop. 397,532

Chemist Salary in Wichita, Kansas

The median chemist salary in Wichita, KS is $70,372 per year, which is 15% below the national median and 2.3% below the Kansas state average.

City Median
$70,372
vs State Avg
$-1,655
vs National
$-12,418
Cost of Living
85%

Chemist Pay in Wichita: What to Expect (2026)

Wichita offers a median chemist salary of $70,372, which is $1,655 below the Kansas state average of $72,027. Compared to the national median of $82,790, Wichita pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Wichita's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 85% of the national average. This means the $70,372 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $82,791 in an average-cost city. This makes Wichita an attractive option for chemists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for chemists in Wichita spans from $40,800 at the 10th percentile to $120,700 at the 90th percentile — a $79,900 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,500, while senior chemists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $114,750. With a population of 397,532, Wichita is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Chemist Salary in Wichita by Experience

In Wichita, an entry-level chemist earns around $42,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $114,750 per year. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,500
$-7,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$71,400
$-12,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$114,750
$-20,250 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Wichita, KS

Percentile Wichita
10th Percentile $40,800
25th Percentile $52,700
Median (50th) $70,372
75th Percentile $92,650
90th Percentile $120,700

Chemist Salary in Other Kansas Cities

How to Become a Chemist in Wichita

Education

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

Find Chemist Jobs in Wichita

Browse open chemist positions in Wichita, KS:

Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Wichita

How much does a Chemist make in Wichita, KS? ▼
The median chemist salary in Wichita, Kansas is $70,372 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $40,800 (10th percentile) to $120,700 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in Wichita? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $70,372, a chemist in Wichita earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Wichita compare to the Kansas state average for chemist pay? ▼
Wichita's median chemist salary of $70,372 is 2.3% below the Kansas state average of $72,027. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Wichita, KS? ▼
Wichita has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a chemist salary of $70,372 in Wichita has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in Wichita? ▼
Most chemist positions in Wichita 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.