Science & Research Kentucky (KY) Rank #46 of 50

Chemist Salary in Kentucky

The median chemist salary in Kentucky 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
#46 of 50
Cost of Living
87%

Chemist Salary in Kentucky by Experience

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

Percentile KY 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 Kentucky

The largest employment areas for chemists in Kentucky include Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, and Owensboro. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Louisville, KY
$76,167
Pop. 633,045 · COL 92%
Lexington, KY
$76,995
Pop. 322,570 · COL 93%
Bowling Green, KY
$69,544
Pop. 74,735 · COL 84%
Owensboro, KY
$67,888
Pop. 60,183 · COL 82%
Covington, KY
$72,855
Pop. 40,961 · COL 88%

How to Become a Chemist in Kentucky

Education

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

Key Skills

Analytical ChemistryLab TechniquesSpectroscopyHPLCQuality ControlResearch Methods

Job Outlook in Kentucky

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

Find Chemist Jobs in Kentucky

Browse open chemist positions in Kentucky:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Kentucky

How much does a Chemist make in Kentucky? ▼
The median chemist salary in Kentucky 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 Kentucky? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $72,027, a chemist in Kentucky earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Kentucky a good state for chemists? ▼
Kentucky ranks #46 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 Kentucky compare to other states for chemist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for chemists is Hawaii at $140,743. Kentucky's median of $72,027 ranks #46 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Alabama ($72,027) and Kansas ($72,027).
What is the entry-level chemist salary in Kentucky? ▼
An entry-level chemist in Kentucky 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 Kentucky pays chemists the most? ▼
Lexington is the highest paying city in Kentucky for chemists, with a median salary of $76,995. Other cities include Louisville and Bowling Green.