Chemist Salary in Owensboro, KY: $67,888 (2026)

Chemist Pay in Owensboro: What to Expect (2026)

Owensboro offers a median chemist salary of $67,888, which is $4,139 below the Kentucky state average of $72,027. Compared to the national median of $82,790, Owensboro pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Owensboro's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $67,888 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $82,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Owensboro an attractive option for chemists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for chemists in Owensboro spans from $39,360 at the 10th percentile to $116,440 at the 90th percentile — a $77,080 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $41,000, while senior chemists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $110,700. Owensboro is a smaller market (pop. 60,183), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Chemist Salary in Owensboro by Experience

In Owensboro, an entry-level chemist earns around $41,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $110,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$41,000

$-9,000 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$68,880

$-15,120 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$110,700

$-24,300 vs national

Percentile	Owensboro	KY State	National
10th Percentile	$39,360	$41,760	$48,000
25th Percentile	$50,840	$53,940	$62,000
Median (50th)	$67,888	$72,027	$82,790
75th Percentile	$89,380	$94,830	$109,000
90th Percentile	$116,440	$123,540	$142,000

Percentile

Owensboro

10th Percentile

$39,360

25th Percentile

$50,840

Median (50th)

$67,888

75th Percentile

$89,380

90th Percentile

$116,440

How to Become a Chemist in Owensboro

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Owensboro

How much does a Chemist make in Owensboro, KY? ▼

The median chemist salary in Owensboro, Kentucky is $67,888 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $39,360 (10th percentile) to $116,440 (90th percentile).

How much does a Chemist make per hour in Owensboro? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $67,888, a chemist in Owensboro earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Owensboro compare to the Kentucky state average for chemist pay? ▼

Owensboro's median chemist salary of $67,888 is 5.7% below the Kentucky state average of $72,027. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Owensboro, KY? ▼

Owensboro has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a chemist salary of $67,888 in Owensboro has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in Owensboro? ▼

Most chemist positions in Owensboro 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.

Chemist Salary in Owensboro, Kentucky