Science & Research Columbia, MO Pop. 126,254

Chemist Salary in Columbia, Missouri

The median chemist salary in Columbia, MO is $72,855 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 0.0% above the Missouri state average.

City Median
$72,855
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-9,935
Cost of Living
88%

Chemist Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, 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 Columbia, MO

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

Chemist Salary in Other Missouri Cities

Kansas City, MO
$76,167
Pop. 508,090
Saint Louis, MO
$74,511
Pop. 301,578
Independence, MO
$70,372
Pop. 123,011
Springfield, MO
$67,888
Pop. 169,176

How to Become a Chemist in Columbia

Education

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

Find Chemist Jobs in Columbia

Browse open chemist positions in Columbia, MO:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Columbia

How much does a Chemist make in Columbia, MO? ▼
The median chemist salary in Columbia, Missouri 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 Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $72,855, a chemist in Columbia earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the Missouri state average for chemist pay? ▼
Columbia's median chemist salary of $72,855 is 0.0% above the Missouri state average of $72,855. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, MO? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a chemist salary of $72,855 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in Columbia? ▼
Most chemist positions in Columbia 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.