Chemist Salary in Great Falls, MT: $72,855 (2026)

Chemist Pay in Great Falls: What to Expect (2026)

Great Falls offers a median chemist salary of $72,855, which is $5,796 below the Montana state average of $78,651. Compared to the national median of $82,790, Great Falls pays below the national benchmark for this role.

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

The salary range for chemists in Great Falls 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. Great Falls is a smaller market (pop. 60,442), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Chemist Salary in Great Falls by Experience

In Great Falls, 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

Percentile	Great Falls	MT State	National
10th Percentile	$42,240	$45,600	$48,000
25th Percentile	$54,560	$58,900	$62,000
Median (50th)	$72,855	$78,651	$82,790
75th Percentile	$95,920	$103,550	$109,000
90th Percentile	$124,960	$134,900	$142,000

Percentile

Great Falls

10th Percentile

$42,240

25th Percentile

$54,560

Median (50th)

$72,855

75th Percentile

$95,920

90th Percentile

$124,960

How to Become a Chemist in Great Falls

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Great Falls

How much does a Chemist make in Great Falls, MT? ▼

The median chemist salary in Great Falls, Montana 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 Great Falls? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $72,855, a chemist in Great Falls earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Great Falls compare to the Montana state average for chemist pay? ▼

Great Falls's median chemist salary of $72,855 is 7.4% below the Montana state average of $78,651. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Great Falls, MT? ▼

Great Falls has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a chemist salary of $72,855 in Great Falls has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in Great Falls? ▼

Most chemist positions in Great Falls 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.

Chemist Salary in Great Falls, Montana