Kentucky ranks 31st of 51 states and D.C. for chemists pay, trailing top-paying District of Columbia ($153,320) by $73,520 — a 92% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $50,140 to $124,080 — a $73,940 spread, 27% tighter than the national $101,220 range.
Chemists are less concentrated in Kentucky than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.56 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.79× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $50,140 | $24.10 |
| 25th percentile | $60,420 | $29.05 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $79,800 | $38.36 |
| 75th percentile | $96,740 | $46.51 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $124,080 | $59.66 |
| Mean (average) | $84,040 | $40.40 |
How Kentucky Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Kentucky |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky (current) | $79,800 | n/a |
| District of Columbia | $153,320 | +92% |
| New Mexico | $134,370 | +68% |
| Maryland | $131,910 | +65% |
| Massachusetts | $126,970 | +59% |
| Delaware | $125,430 | +57% |
| Louisiana | $109,150 | +37% |
| West Virginia | $108,010 | +35% |
| Texas | $101,260 | +27% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Kentucky
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | $79,910 | 48,170 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | $80,080 | 1,700 |
| Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | $79,390 | 1,140 |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $79,330 | 790 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographers | $80,320 | 910 |
| Personal Financial Advisors | $79,100 | 1,870 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Chemists salary in Kentucky?
The mean chemists salary in Kentucky is $84,040 per year. The median (middle) salary is $79,800 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Chemists in Kentucky?
Entry-level chemistss (10th percentile) in Kentucky typically earn around $50,140 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $60,420 per year.
What is the highest Chemists salary in Kentucky?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Kentucky make approximately $124,080 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $96,740 per year.
How does the Kentucky Chemists salary compare to the national average?
The median chemists salary in Kentucky is $79,800, which is -5% below national average of $84,150.