Science & Research Louisiana (LA) Rank #33 of 50

Chemist Salary in Louisiana

The median chemist salary in Louisiana is $75,339 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $82,790.

Median Salary
$75,339
vs National
$-7,451
State Rank
#33 of 50
Cost of Living
91%

Chemist Salary Overview in Louisiana (2026)

Louisiana ranks #33 out of 50 states for chemist compensation. Chemist salaries in Louisiana are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $75,339 per year, chemists in Louisiana earn $7,451 less than the national median of $82,790.

A key advantage of working in Louisiana is its below-average cost of living (91% of the national index). This means the $75,339 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $82,790 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Louisiana is significant: chemists at the 10th percentile earn $43,680, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $129,220 — a $85,540 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Louisiana for this role is New Orleans, where the median reaches $81,134.

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 Louisiana by Experience

In Louisiana, an entry-level chemist earns around $45,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $122,850 per year. The cost of living index in Louisiana is 91% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,500
$-4,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$76,440
$-7,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$122,850
$-12,150 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Louisiana

Percentile LA Salary
10th Percentile $43,680
25th Percentile $56,420
Median (50th) $75,339
75th Percentile $99,190
90th Percentile $129,220

Chemist Salary by City in Louisiana

The largest employment areas for chemists in Louisiana include New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and Lafayette. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Chemist in Louisiana

Education

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

Key Skills

Analytical ChemistryLab TechniquesSpectroscopyHPLCQuality ControlResearch Methods

Job Outlook in Louisiana

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Louisiana

How much does a Chemist make in Louisiana? ▼
The median chemist salary in Louisiana is $75,339 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $43,680 (10th percentile) to $129,220 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in Louisiana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $75,339, a chemist in Louisiana earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Louisiana a good state for chemists? ▼
Louisiana ranks #33 out of 50 states for chemist pay. The cost of living index is 91% of the national average. Entry-level chemists earn $45,500, while senior professionals earn $122,850.
How does Louisiana compare to other states for chemist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for chemists is Hawaii at $140,743. Louisiana's median of $75,339 ranks #33 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Wisconsin ($76,167) and Wyoming ($76,167).
What is the entry-level chemist salary in Louisiana? ▼
An entry-level chemist in Louisiana earns approximately $45,500 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $76,440. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $122,850.
What city in Louisiana pays chemists the most? ▼
New Orleans is the highest paying city in Louisiana for chemists, with a median salary of $81,134. Other cities include Baton Rouge and Shreveport.