Chemist Salary in Alabama
Based on 700+ workers in Alabama
Median Annual Salary (AL)
$97,830
$47.03/hr
vs National Average
$92,010
+6.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$61K – $150K
700 employed in Alabama
The median chemist salary in Alabama is $96,000 per year, which is 10% above the national average and reflects strong compensation for chemistry professionals in the state. With approximately 630 chemists currently employed in Alabama, this represents a stable career field offering competitive wages compared to other states and industries.
Chemist salary in Alabama varies significantly based on experience, education level, and employer type. Entry-level positions typically start around $58,900 annually, while experienced professionals can earn up to $156,100. Factors such as specialization in pharmaceuticals or industrial chemistry, advanced degrees, and employment within research institutions or large manufacturing companies can substantially influence earning potential in this field.
Salary Distribution — Chemist in Alabama
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $61,050 |
| 25th percentile | $73,500 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $97,830 |
| 75th percentile | $126,200 |
| 90th percentile | $150,410 |
Top-Paying Industries for Chemist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Chemists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Chemists in Alabama tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $123,380 | 610 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $112,840 | 3K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $109,990 | 190 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $107,330 | 10K |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $96,840 | 160 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Chemist in Alabama vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Alabama) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $80,100 |
| 2023 | $85,150 |
| 2024 | $96,000 |
| 2025 | $97,830 |
| 2026 (projected) | $99,695 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Alabama Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $80,100 | $79,362 |
| 2023 | $85,150 | $83,812 |
| 2024 | $96,000 | $86,969 |
| 2025 | $97,830 | $92,010 |
| 2026 (projected) | $99,695 | $93,764 |
Chemist Salary by Experience Level in Alabama
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $73,500 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $97,830 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $126,200 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $150,410 |
Chemist Salary in Other States
Related Chemist Salaries in Alabama
How other high-demand occupations in Alabama compare to Chemist ($97,830 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Chemist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicist in AL | $139,330 | +42.4% | $66.99/hr |
| Psychologist in AL | $90,800 | -7.2% | $43.65/hr |
| Geoscientist in AL | $88,610 | -9.4% | $42.60/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in AL | $72,490 | -25.9% | $34.85/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in AL | $70,710 | -27.7% | $34.00/hr |
| Medical Scientist in AL | $68,490 | -30.0% | $32.93/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in AL | $48,510 | -50.4% | $23.32/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in AL | $97,790 | -0.0% | $47.01/hr |
| Public Relations Manager in AL | $98,210 | +0.4% | $47.22/hr |
| Physical Therapist in AL | $97,290 | -0.6% | $46.77/hr |
| Logistician in AL | $98,450 | +0.6% | $47.33/hr |
| Construction Manager in AL | $96,960 | -0.9% | $46.62/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do chemists make in Alabama?
- The median salary for chemists in Alabama is $96,000 per year, or $46 per hour. This is 10.4% higher than the national average, making Alabama a competitive state for chemistry professionals.
What is the salary range for chemists in Alabama?
- Chemist salaries in Alabama range from $58,900 at the lower end to $156,100 at the higher end, depending on experience, education, and specialization.
Is the chemist salary in Alabama above the national average?
- Yes, Alabama's median chemist salary of $96,000 per year is 10.4% above the national average, making it a favorable location for chemist employment.
How many chemists are employed in Alabama?
- There are approximately 630 chemists currently employed in Alabama, indicating a stable job market for chemistry professionals in the state.