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METRO DATA PROFILE · 2025

Chemists salary in Indianapolis, Indiana

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Indianapolis metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated June 12, 2026
Median annual$78,770
Mean annual$88,560
Range (10th to 90th)$58,170 to $133,140
Indianapolis, Indiana employment1,310
State vs national-15.3% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Indianapolis chemists fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

10TH$58,17025TH$65,140MEDIAN$78,77075TH$99,87090TH$133,140

The middle 50% of workers earn between $65,140 and $99,870, with a median of $78,770.

Typical entry

  • Education

    Bachelor's degree

  • Experience

    None

  • On-the-job training

    None

Top skills (O*NET)

  • Chemistry

    Knowledge

    4.9 / 5

  • Science

    Basic skill

    4.1 / 5

  • English Language

    Knowledge

    4.0 / 5

  • Oral Comprehension

    Ability

    4.0 / 5

  • Reading Comprehension

    Basic skill

    4.0 / 5

  • Written Comprehension

    Ability

    4.0 / 5

  • Critical Thinking

    Cross-functional

    4.0 / 5

  • Oral Expression

    Ability

    4.0 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Develop, improve, or customize products, equipment, formulas, processes, or analytical methods.

  2. 02

    Analyze organic or inorganic compounds to determine chemical or physical properties, composition, structure, relationships, or reactions, using chromatography, spectroscopy, or spectrophotometry techniques.

  3. 03

    Induce changes in composition of substances by introducing heat, light, energy, or chemical catalysts for quantitative or qualitative analysis.

  4. 04

    Conduct quality control tests.

  5. 05

    Write technical papers or reports or prepare standards and specifications for processes, facilities, products, or tests.

  6. 06

    Prepare test solutions, compounds, or reagents for laboratory personnel to conduct tests.

  7. 07

    Maintain laboratory instruments to ensure proper working order and troubleshoot malfunctions when needed.

  8. 08

    Study effects of various methods of processing, preserving, or packaging on composition or properties of foods.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Chemists in Indianapolis, Indiana?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Chemists in the Indianapolis metropolitan area is $78,770.
Does Indianapolis pay more than the Indiana state average for Chemists?
The Indianapolis metro median is 0.0% versus the Indiana state median of $78,770.
How does Indianapolis compare to the national median for Chemists?
The Indianapolis metro median is -15.3% versus the BLS national figure of $93,017.
What is the salary range for Chemists in Indianapolis?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $58,170 and the 90th-percentile at $133,140 for the Indianapolis metro area.
What education is required for Chemists?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Indianapolis CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.