Chemist salary in Lincoln, NE
Chemists in the Lincoln, NE metro area earn a median of $82,920 a year ($39.87 an hour), based on BLS data for 80 workers.
Pay ranges from $58,980 for the lowest-paid 10% to $110,020 for the top 10%. That is 9% lower than the national median of $91,240. Pay here is 11% higher than the Nebraska statewide median of $74,890. There are 0.46 chemists per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $84,650, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for chemists in Lincoln, NE
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $58,980 | $28.36 |
| 25th percentile | $67,520 | $32.46 |
| Median | $82,920 | $39.87 |
| 75th percentile | $98,830 | $47.51 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $110,020 | $52.89 |
| Average (mean) | $84,650 | $40.70 |
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 | $6,910 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,455 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,189.23 |
| Weekly | $1,594.62 |
| Hourly | $39.87 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Omaha, NE-IA | $74,890 | 170 |
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 Nebraska statewide figures.
Related jobs in Lincoln, NE
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health | $64,450 | $30.99 |
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | $120,000 | $57.69 |
| Animal Scientist | $79,410 | $38.18 |
| Soil and Plant Scientists | $63,760 | $30.65 |
| Urban and Regional Planners | $65,560 | $31.52 |
| Occupational Health and Safety Specialists | $75,820 | $36.45 |
| Food Scientists and Technologists | $56,250 | $27.04 |
| Forensic Science Technician | $61,680 | $29.66 |
| Economist | $70,400 | $33.85 |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other | $65,480 | $31.48 |
| Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health | $59,700 | $28.70 |
| Occupational Health and Safety Technicians | $44,900 | $21.59 |
| School Psychologist | $99,000 | $47.60 |
| Chemical Technician | $62,640 | $30.12 |
More: Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations · all salaries in Lincoln, NE
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 Lincoln, NE?
The median salary for chemists in the Lincoln, NE metro area is $82,920 a year, or $39.87 an hour. Pay ranges from $58,980 for the lowest-paid 10% to $110,020 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid chemists make in Lincoln, NE?
The top 10% of chemists in the Lincoln, NE metro area earn at least $110,020 a year. The top 25% earn $98,830 or more.
What is the starting pay for chemists in Lincoln, NE?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $58,980 a year, and a quarter of chemists earn $67,520 or less.
How many chemists work in Lincoln, NE?
About 80 chemists are employed in the Lincoln, NE metro area, not counting the self-employed.