Science & Research Lansing, MI Pop. 112,644

Chemist Salary in Lansing, Michigan

The median chemist salary in Lansing, MI is $71,199 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Michigan state average.

City Median
$71,199
vs State Avg
$-3,312
vs National
$-11,591
Cost of Living
86%

Chemist Pay in Lansing: What to Expect (2026)

Lansing offers a median chemist salary of $71,199, which is $3,312 below the Michigan state average of $74,511. Compared to the national median of $82,790, Lansing pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Lansing'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 Lansing an attractive option for chemists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for chemists in Lansing 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. With a population of 112,644, Lansing is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Chemist Salary in Lansing by Experience

In Lansing, 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 Lansing, MI

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

Chemist Salary in Other Michigan Cities

How to Become a Chemist in Lansing

Education

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

Find Chemist Jobs in Lansing

Browse open chemist positions in Lansing, MI:

Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Lansing

How much does a Chemist make in Lansing, MI? ▼
The median chemist salary in Lansing, Michigan 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 Lansing? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $71,199, a chemist in Lansing earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lansing compare to the Michigan state average for chemist pay? ▼
Lansing's median chemist salary of $71,199 is 4.4% below the Michigan state average of $74,511. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lansing, MI? ▼
Lansing has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a chemist salary of $71,199 in Lansing has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in Lansing? ▼
Most chemist positions in Lansing 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.