Chemist Salary in Kentucky
Based on 530+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$84,090
$40.43/hr
vs National Average
$92,010
-8.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$55K – $126K
530 employed in Kentucky
# Chemist Salary in Kentucky
Chemists working in Kentucky earn a median salary of $84,090 per year, according to current labor data. This figure represents compensation for approximately 530 employed chemists across the state. However, the chemist salary in Kentucky runs about 9% below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences and variations in industry concentration throughout the state.
Several factors influence earning potential for chemists in Kentucky, including years of experience, educational credentials, and the specific industry sector. Salaries range from $54,950 at the entry level to $126,060 for highly experienced professionals, demonstrating significant growth opportunities within the field. Geographic location within Kentucky, employer size, and specialization in high-demand areas like pharmaceuticals or manufacturing can also meaningfully impact individual compensation packages.
Salary Distribution — Chemist in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $54,950 |
| 25th percentile | $64,800 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $84,090 |
| 75th percentile | $98,190 |
| 90th percentile | $126,060 |
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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $76,240 |
| 2023 | $79,200 |
| 2024 | $79,800 |
| 2025 | $84,090 |
| 2026 (projected) | $88,611 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Kentucky Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $76,240 | $79,362 |
| 2023 | $79,200 | $83,812 |
| 2024 | $79,800 | $86,969 |
| 2025 | $84,090 | $92,010 |
| 2026 (projected) | $88,611 | $96,956 |
Chemist Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $64,800 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $84,090 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $98,190 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $126,060 |
Chemist Salary in Other States
Related Chemist Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to Chemist ($84,090 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Chemist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicist in KY | $180,910 | +115.1% | $86.98/hr |
| Psychologist in KY | $99,140 | +17.9% | $47.66/hr |
| Medical Scientist in KY | $77,580 | -7.7% | $37.30/hr |
| Geoscientist in KY | $77,510 | -7.8% | $37.26/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in KY | $74,710 | -11.2% | $35.92/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in KY | $71,040 | -15.5% | $34.15/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in KY | $65,000 | -22.7% | $31.25/hr |
| Operations Research Analyst in KY | $83,850 | -0.3% | $40.31/hr |
| Speech-Language Pathologist in KY | $83,550 | -0.6% | $40.17/hr |
| Web Developer in KY | $82,630 | -1.7% | $39.73/hr |
| Project Management Specialist in KY | $81,700 | -2.8% | $39.28/hr |
| Financial Analyst in KY | $81,660 | -2.9% | $39.26/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do chemists make in Kentucky?
- The median salary for chemists in Kentucky is $84,090 per year, or $40 per hour. This is approximately 8.6% below the national average for chemists.
What is the salary range for chemists in Kentucky?
- Chemist salaries in Kentucky range from $54,950 at the low end to $126,060 at the high end, representing significant variation based on experience and specialization.
How many chemists are employed in Kentucky?
- There are approximately 530 chemists currently employed in Kentucky, based on the latest employment data.
Is the chemist salary in Kentucky lower than the national average?
- Yes, Kentucky's median chemist salary of $84,090 is 8.6% below the national average, making it a relatively lower-paying state for this profession compared to the country as a whole.