Chemist salary in Auburn-Opelika, AL
Chemists in the Auburn-Opelika, AL metro area earn a median of $79,530 a year ($38.23 an hour), based on BLS data for 40 workers.
Pay ranges from $51,650 for the lowest-paid 10% to $127,120 for the top 10%. That is 13% lower than the national median of $91,240. Pay here is 19% lower than the Alabama statewide median of $97,830. There are 0.57 chemists per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $83,990, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for chemists in Auburn-Opelika, AL
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $51,650 | $24.83 |
| 25th percentile | $58,350 | $28.05 |
| Median | $79,530 | $38.23 |
| 75th percentile | $97,830 | $47.03 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $127,120 | $61.12 |
| Average (mean) | $83,990 | $40.38 |
Half of chemists earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $6,627.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,313.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,058.85 |
| Weekly | $1,529.42 |
| Hourly | $38.23 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Chemist salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Decatur, AL | $109,110 | 60 |
| Mobile, AL | $102,600 | 90 |
| Huntsville, AL | $101,500 | 130 |
| Birmingham, AL | $82,790 | 170 |
| Montgomery, AL | $81,700 | 50 |
Highest-paying states for chemists
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $149,860 |
| Maryland | $140,670 |
| Delaware | $129,860 |
| New Mexico | $126,960 |
| Massachusetts | $125,000 |
| Alaska | $106,010 |
| Oregon | $104,590 |
| Louisiana | $103,890 |
| Wyoming | $102,000 |
| Colorado | $101,980 |
See Chemist pay in every state or the Alabama statewide figures.
Related jobs in Auburn-Opelika, AL
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Health and Safety Specialists | $78,190 | $37.59 |
| Chemical Technician | $37,460 | $18.01 |
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | $82,140 | $39.49 |
| Occupational Health and Safety Technicians | $60,570 | $29.12 |
| Soil and Plant Scientists | $61,840 | $29.73 |
More: Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations · all salaries in Auburn-Opelika, AL
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 19-2031. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a chemist make in Auburn-Opelika, AL?
The median salary for chemists in the Auburn-Opelika, AL metro area is $79,530 a year, or $38.23 an hour. Pay ranges from $51,650 for the lowest-paid 10% to $127,120 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid chemists make in Auburn-Opelika, AL?
The top 10% of chemists in the Auburn-Opelika, AL metro area earn at least $127,120 a year. The top 25% earn $97,830 or more.
What is the starting pay for chemists in Auburn-Opelika, AL?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $51,650 a year, and a quarter of chemists earn $58,350 or less.
How many chemists work in Auburn-Opelika, AL?
About 40 chemists are employed in the Auburn-Opelika, AL metro area, not counting the self-employed.