Chemist salary in Lake Charles, LA
Chemists in the Lake Charles, LA metro area earn a median of $128,330 a year ($61.70 an hour), based on BLS data for 180 workers.
Pay ranges from $80,060 for the lowest-paid 10% to $168,460 for the top 10%. That is 41% higher than the national median of $91,240. Pay here is 24% higher than the Louisiana statewide median of $103,890. There are 1.7 chemists per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 3.2× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $126,650, close to the median.
Pay range for chemists in Lake Charles, LA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $80,060 | $38.49 |
| 25th percentile | $98,640 | $47.43 |
| Median | $128,330 | $61.70 |
| 75th percentile | $167,220 | $80.39 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $168,460 | $80.99 |
| Average (mean) | $126,650 | $60.89 |
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 | $10,694.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $5,347.08 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $4,935.77 |
| Weekly | $2,467.88 |
| Hourly | $61.70 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Baton Rouge, LA | $107,590 | 270 |
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA | $96,100 | 170 |
| Shreveport-Bossier City, LA | $80,190 | 40 |
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 Louisiana statewide figures.
Related jobs in Lake Charles, LA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health | $67,920 | $32.66 |
| Occupational Health and Safety Specialists | $82,710 | $39.76 |
| Chemical Technician | $88,780 | $42.68 |
| School Psychologist | $69,020 | $33.18 |
More: Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations · all salaries in Lake Charles, LA
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 Lake Charles, LA?
The median salary for chemists in the Lake Charles, LA metro area is $128,330 a year, or $61.70 an hour. Pay ranges from $80,060 for the lowest-paid 10% to $168,460 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid chemists make in Lake Charles, LA?
The top 10% of chemists in the Lake Charles, LA metro area earn at least $168,460 a year. The top 25% earn $167,220 or more.
What is the starting pay for chemists in Lake Charles, LA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $80,060 a year, and a quarter of chemists earn $98,640 or less.
How many chemists work in Lake Charles, LA?
About 180 chemists are employed in the Lake Charles, LA metro area, not counting the self-employed.