Chemist Salary in Arkansas
Based on 380+ workers in Arkansas
Median Annual Salary (AR)
$75,570
$36.33/hr
vs National Average
$92,010
-17.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$47K – $132K
380 employed in Arkansas
The median chemist salary in Arkansas is $75,570 per year, with approximately 380 chemists currently employed in the state. This figure falls roughly 18% below the national average for the profession, reflecting regional economic differences. Salaries in the state range from $46,600 to $131,620 annually, indicating substantial variation based on individual circumstances and career progression.
Several factors influence chemist salary in Arkansas, including years of experience, educational credentials, employer type, and industry sector. Chemists working in specialized fields or for larger corporations tend to earn more than those in smaller organizations or academic settings. Geographic location within Arkansas and the cost of living in specific areas also play roles in overall compensation packages and earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Chemist in Arkansas
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $46,600 |
| 25th percentile | $57,830 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $75,570 |
| 75th percentile | $106,330 |
| 90th percentile | $131,620 |
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 Arkansas 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 Arkansas vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Arkansas) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $64,540 |
| 2023 | $71,050 |
| 2024 | $71,080 |
| 2025 | $75,570 |
| 2026 (projected) | $80,104 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Arkansas Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $64,540 | $79,362 |
| 2023 | $71,050 | $83,812 |
| 2024 | $71,080 | $86,969 |
| 2025 | $75,570 | $92,010 |
| 2026 (projected) | $80,104 | $97,531 |
Chemist Salary by Experience Level in Arkansas
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $57,830 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $75,570 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $106,330 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $131,620 |
Chemist Salary in Other States
Related Chemist Salaries in Arkansas
How other high-demand occupations in Arkansas compare to Chemist ($75,570 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Chemist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicist in AR | $135,820 | +79.7% | $65.30/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in AR | $82,390 | +9.0% | $39.61/hr |
| Psychologist in AR | $77,520 | +2.6% | $37.27/hr |
| Medical Scientist in AR | $72,530 | -4.0% | $34.87/hr |
| Geoscientist in AR | $67,880 | -10.2% | $32.63/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in AR | $63,530 | -15.9% | $30.54/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in AR | $57,220 | -24.3% | $27.51/hr |
| Radiologist in AR | $75,600 | +0.0% | $36.35/hr |
| Purchasing Agent in AR | $75,870 | +0.4% | $36.48/hr |
| General and Operations Manager in AR | $74,050 | -2.0% | $35.60/hr |
| Project Management Specialist in AR | $77,170 | +2.1% | $37.10/hr |
| Respiratory Therapist in AR | $73,870 | -2.2% | $35.51/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do chemists make in Arkansas?
- The median salary for chemists in Arkansas is $75,570 per year, or $36 per hour. This is approximately 17.9% below the national average for chemists.
What is the salary range for chemists in Arkansas?
- Chemist salaries in Arkansas range from a low of $46,600 to a high of $131,620 per year, depending on experience, education, and employer.
How many chemists are employed in Arkansas?
- There are approximately 380 chemists currently employed in Arkansas according to the latest employment data.
Is the chemist salary in Arkansas higher or lower than the national average?
- The median chemist salary in Arkansas is lower than the national average, coming in at 17.9% below the national median, despite the median being $75,570 annually.