Chemist Salary in Louisiana
Based on 740+ workers in Louisiana
Median Annual Salary (LA)
$103,890
$49.95/hr
vs National Average
$92,010
+12.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$58K – $168K
740 employed in Louisiana
Chemists working in Louisiana earn a median salary of $103,890 per year, which is 13% above the national average. With approximately 740 chemists employed throughout the state, Louisiana offers competitive compensation in this field. Salaries typically range from $58,310 to $168,460, depending on experience and specialization.
Several factors influence chemist salary in Louisiana, including years of experience, educational credentials, and specific industry sector. Those working in petrochemical refining and pharmaceutical manufacturing tend to earn higher wages than those in academic or government research positions. Geographic location within the state, employer size, and advanced certifications also play significant roles in determining individual compensation levels.
Salary Distribution — Chemist in Louisiana
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $58,310 |
| 25th percentile | $77,160 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $103,890 |
| 75th percentile | $131,950 |
| 90th percentile | $168,460 |
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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Louisiana) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $76,760 |
| 2023 | $94,280 |
| 2024 | $109,150 |
| 2025 | $103,890 |
| 2026 (projected) | $103,890 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Louisiana Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $76,760 | $79,362 |
| 2023 | $94,280 | $83,812 |
| 2024 | $109,150 | $86,969 |
| 2025 | $103,890 | $92,010 |
| 2026 (projected) | $103,890 | $92,010 |
Chemist Salary by Experience Level in Louisiana
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $77,160 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $103,890 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $131,950 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $168,460 |
Chemist Salary in Other States
Related Chemist Salaries in Louisiana
How other high-demand occupations in Louisiana compare to Chemist ($103,890 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Chemist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicist in LA | $166,240 | +60.0% | $79.92/hr |
| Geoscientist in LA | $91,560 | -11.9% | $44.02/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in LA | $74,500 | -28.3% | $35.82/hr |
| Psychologist in LA | $71,330 | -31.3% | $34.29/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in LA | $69,820 | -32.8% | $33.57/hr |
| Lawyer in LA | $104,100 | +0.2% | $50.05/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in LA | $104,550 | +0.6% | $50.26/hr |
| Software Developer in LA | $102,800 | -1.0% | $49.42/hr |
| Civil Engineer in LA | $105,380 | +1.4% | $50.66/hr |
| General and Operations Manager in LA | $101,790 | -2.0% | $48.94/hr |
| Computer Network Architect in LA | $106,620 | +2.6% | $51.26/hr |
| Training and Development Manager in LA | $107,670 | +3.6% | $51.76/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do chemists make in Louisiana?
- Chemists in Louisiana earn a median salary of $103,890 per year, or $50 per hour. This is 12.9% higher than the national average for chemists, making Louisiana a competitive state for chemistry professionals.
What is the salary range for chemists in Louisiana?
- The salary range for chemists in Louisiana spans from $58,310 at the lower end to $168,460 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and employer type within the state.
How many chemists are employed in Louisiana?
- There are approximately 740 chemists currently employed in Louisiana. This represents a substantial workforce in the chemistry field across the state's industrial, research, and educational sectors.
Is the Louisiana chemist salary above the national average?
- Yes, Louisiana's median chemist salary of $103,890 is 12.9% above the national average. This makes Louisiana an attractive location for chemists seeking above-average compensation in their field.