Science & Research Lafayette, LA Pop. 121,374

Chemist Salary in Lafayette, Louisiana

The median chemist salary in Lafayette, LA is $72,855 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 3.3% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$72,855
vs State Avg
$-2,484
vs National
$-9,935
Cost of Living
88%

Chemist Pay in Lafayette: What to Expect (2026)

Lafayette offers a median chemist salary of $72,855, which is $2,484 below the Louisiana state average of $75,339. Compared to the national median of $82,790, Lafayette pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Lafayette's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $72,855 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $82,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Lafayette an attractive option for chemists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for chemists in Lafayette spans from $42,240 at the 10th percentile to $124,960 at the 90th percentile — a $82,720 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,000, while senior chemists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $118,800. With a population of 121,374, Lafayette is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Chemist Salary in Lafayette by Experience

In Lafayette, an entry-level chemist earns around $44,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $118,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,000
$-6,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$73,920
$-10,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$118,800
$-16,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lafayette, LA

Percentile Lafayette
10th Percentile $42,240
25th Percentile $54,560
Median (50th) $72,855
75th Percentile $95,920
90th Percentile $124,960

Chemist Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$81,134
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$76,167
Pop. 227,470
Lake Charles, LA
$71,199
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$70,372
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Chemist in Lafayette

Education

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

Find Chemist Jobs in Lafayette

Browse open chemist positions in Lafayette, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Lafayette

How much does a Chemist make in Lafayette, LA? ▼
The median chemist salary in Lafayette, Louisiana is $72,855 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $42,240 (10th percentile) to $124,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in Lafayette? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $72,855, a chemist in Lafayette earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lafayette compare to the Louisiana state average for chemist pay? ▼
Lafayette's median chemist salary of $72,855 is 3.3% below the Louisiana state average of $75,339. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lafayette, LA? ▼
Lafayette has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a chemist salary of $72,855 in Lafayette has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in Lafayette? ▼
Most chemist positions in Lafayette 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.