Science & Research Parkersburg, WV Pop. 29,675

Chemist Salary in Parkersburg, West Virginia

The median chemist salary in Parkersburg, WV is $66,232 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 4.8% below the West Virginia state average.

City Median
$66,232
vs State Avg
$-3,312
vs National
$-16,558
Cost of Living
80%

Chemist Pay in Parkersburg: What to Expect (2026)

Parkersburg offers a median chemist salary of $66,232, which is $3,312 below the West Virginia state average of $69,544. Compared to the national median of $82,790, Parkersburg pays below the national benchmark for this role.

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

The salary range for chemists in Parkersburg 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. Parkersburg is a smaller market (pop. 29,675), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Chemist Salary in Parkersburg by Experience

In Parkersburg, 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 Parkersburg, WV

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

Chemist Salary in Other West Virginia Cities

Morgantown, WV
$74,511
Pop. 30,955
Charleston, WV
$72,855
Pop. 48,006
Huntington, WV
$67,888
Pop. 46,842
Wheeling, WV
$64,576
Pop. 26,711

How to Become a Chemist in Parkersburg

Education

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

Find Chemist Jobs in Parkersburg

Browse open chemist positions in Parkersburg, WV:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Parkersburg

How much does a Chemist make in Parkersburg, WV? ▼
The median chemist salary in Parkersburg, West Virginia 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 Parkersburg? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $66,232, a chemist in Parkersburg earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Parkersburg compare to the West Virginia state average for chemist pay? ▼
Parkersburg's median chemist salary of $66,232 is 4.8% below the West Virginia state average of $69,544. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Parkersburg, WV? ▼
Parkersburg has a cost of living index of 80% compared to the national average. This means a chemist salary of $66,232 in Parkersburg has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in Parkersburg? ▼
Most chemist positions in Parkersburg 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.