Chemists Salary in Ames, IA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Ames, IA

Median annual salary $94,990 +12.9% vs national
Median hourly $45.67
10th percentile $62,580
90th percentile $136,290
Employed locally 40
National median $84,150

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Chemists
in
Ames, IA
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $62,580
    25th
    $73,110
    50th (median)
    $94,990
    75th
    $99,400
    90th
    $136,290

    Ames economic context

    Unemployment rate 2.40% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $71,090 2023 • Census ACS
    Chemists salary vs area income 134% Median Chemists salary is 34% above the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Chemists

    Metro areaMedian salary
    District of Columbia $153,320
    Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $145,430
    Albuquerque, NM $137,740
    New Mexico $134,370
    Maryland $131,910
    Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH $130,830

    Nearby metros — Chemists salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    District of Columbia $153,320
    Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $145,430
    Peoria, IL $122,950
    Louisiana $109,150
    Cedar Rapids, IA $108,460
    West Virginia $108,010

    Related occupations in Ames, IA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Biological Technicians $52,670
    Biological Scientists, All Other $79,170
    Soil and Plant Scientists $62,290
    Agricultural Technicians $46,630
    Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $134,160
    Microbiologists $108,040

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Chemists make per hour in Ames?

    The median hourly wage for Chemists in Ames, IA is $45.67, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $68.85 or more per hour.

    Is Ames above or below average for Chemists salaries?

    The median Chemists salary in Ames, IA is 12.9% above the national median of $84,150. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Chemists in Ames?

    Entry-level Chemists (10th percentile) earn around $62,580 per year in Ames, IA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $73,110.