Science & Research Hattiesburg, MS Pop. 48,728

Chemist Salary in Hattiesburg, Mississippi

The median chemist salary in Hattiesburg, MS is $66,232 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 3.6% below the Mississippi state average.

City Median
$66,232
vs State Avg
$-2,484
vs National
$-16,558
Cost of Living
80%

Chemist Pay in Hattiesburg: What to Expect (2026)

Hattiesburg offers a median chemist salary of $66,232, which is $2,484 below the Mississippi state average of $68,716. Compared to the national median of $82,790, Hattiesburg pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Hattiesburg's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 80% of the national average. This means the $66,232 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $82,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Hattiesburg an attractive option for chemists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for chemists in Hattiesburg spans from $38,400 at the 10th percentile to $113,600 at the 90th percentile — a $75,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $40,000, while senior chemists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $108,000. Hattiesburg is a smaller market (pop. 48,728), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Chemist Salary in Hattiesburg by Experience

In Hattiesburg, an entry-level chemist earns around $40,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $108,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,000
$-10,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$67,200
$-16,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$108,000
$-27,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Hattiesburg, MS

Percentile Hattiesburg
10th Percentile $38,400
25th Percentile $49,600
Median (50th) $66,232
75th Percentile $87,200
90th Percentile $113,600

Chemist Salary in Other Mississippi Cities

Jackson, MS
$70,372
Pop. 153,701
Southaven, MS
$69,544
Pop. 55,026
Biloxi, MS
$68,716
Pop. 46,212
Gulfport, MS
$67,888
Pop. 72,926

How to Become a Chemist in Hattiesburg

Education

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

Find Chemist Jobs in Hattiesburg

Browse open chemist positions in Hattiesburg, MS:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Hattiesburg

How much does a Chemist make in Hattiesburg, MS? ▼
The median chemist salary in Hattiesburg, Mississippi is $66,232 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $38,400 (10th percentile) to $113,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in Hattiesburg? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $66,232, a chemist in Hattiesburg earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Hattiesburg compare to the Mississippi state average for chemist pay? ▼
Hattiesburg's median chemist salary of $66,232 is 3.6% below the Mississippi state average of $68,716. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Hattiesburg, MS? ▼
Hattiesburg has a cost of living index of 80% compared to the national average. This means a chemist salary of $66,232 in Hattiesburg has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in Hattiesburg? ▼
Most chemist positions in Hattiesburg 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.