📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Chemist Salary in Kentucky (2026)

Kentucky · 17.0% below national average · Medium Demand

Average
$69,894
per year
Median
$66,201
per year
Hourly
$33.6
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$44,195
25th Percentile — Junior$58,394
50th Percentile — Median$66,201
75th Percentile — Senior$90,344
90th Percentile — Top Earners$102,712
💡 Top-earning Chemists in Kentucky make up to $102,712 per year. The job market in Kentucky is rated moderate, with key industries including Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$61.8k
2021
$63.3k
2022
$64.9k
2023
$66.5k
2024
$68.2k
2025
$69.9k
2026
📈 Chemist salaries in Kentucky have followed the national trend with 2.5% annual growth. The strong presence in Kentucky's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Chemist Salary by City in Kentucky
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Louisville $58,711 -16.0% Medium
Lexington $58,711 -16.0% Medium
🔍
Chemist Job Market in Kentucky
Key factors affecting compensation

Kentucky is home to a moderate job market for Chemists. The state's key industries — Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $69,894 per year, Kentucky's Chemist salaries are 17.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in Kentucky (index: 0.83) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in Kentucky can expect to earn $44,195–$58,394, while experienced Chemists can command $90,344–$102,712.

Looking ahead, the Chemist profession in Kentucky is projected to grow at 2.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Manufacturing continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Chemist salary in Kentucky is $69,894 per year in 2026, which is 17.0% below the national average of $84,210.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Chemists the highest wages in Kentucky due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • Kentucky has a moderate job market with major industries in Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture. Opportunities exist in for Chemist employment.
  • At $69,894/year, Kentucky Chemist salaries are 17.0% lower than the national average of $84,210/year.