Science & Research Lake Charles, LA Pop. 80,000

Chemist Salary in Lake Charles, Louisiana

The median chemist salary in Lake Charles, LA is $71,199 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 5.5% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$71,199
vs State Avg
$-4,140
vs National
$-11,591
Cost of Living
86%

Chemist Pay in Lake Charles: What to Expect (2026)

Lake Charles offers a median chemist salary of $71,199, which is $4,140 below the Louisiana state average of $75,339. Compared to the national median of $82,790, Lake Charles pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Lake Charles's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $71,199 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $82,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Lake Charles an attractive option for chemists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for chemists in Lake Charles spans from $41,280 at the 10th percentile to $122,120 at the 90th percentile — a $80,840 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $43,000, while senior chemists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $116,100. Lake Charles is a smaller market (pop. 80,000), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Chemist Salary in Lake Charles by Experience

In Lake Charles, an entry-level chemist earns around $43,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $116,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$43,000
$-7,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$72,240
$-11,760 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$116,100
$-18,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lake Charles, LA

Percentile Lake Charles
10th Percentile $41,280
25th Percentile $53,320
Median (50th) $71,199
75th Percentile $93,740
90th Percentile $122,120

Chemist Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$81,134
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$76,167
Pop. 227,470
Lafayette, LA
$72,855
Pop. 121,374
Shreveport, LA
$70,372
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Chemist in Lake Charles

Education

Most chemist positions require a bachelor's degree. Lake Charles 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 Lake Charles may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Chemist Jobs in Lake Charles

Browse open chemist positions in Lake Charles, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Lake Charles

How much does a Chemist make in Lake Charles, LA? ▼
The median chemist salary in Lake Charles, Louisiana is $71,199 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $41,280 (10th percentile) to $122,120 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in Lake Charles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $71,199, a chemist in Lake Charles earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lake Charles compare to the Louisiana state average for chemist pay? ▼
Lake Charles's median chemist salary of $71,199 is 5.5% below the Louisiana state average of $75,339. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lake Charles, LA? ▼
Lake Charles has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a chemist salary of $71,199 in Lake Charles has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in Lake Charles? ▼
Most chemist positions in Lake Charles 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.