RateOrchard
METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Chemists salary in Kansas City, Missouri

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Kansas City 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 April 30, 2026
Median annual$73,650
Mean annual$80,990
Range (10th to 90th)$50,540 to $126,750
Kansas City, Missouri employment470
State vs national-16.5% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Kansas City chemists fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

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

10TH$50,54025TH$55,790MEDIAN$73,65075TH$99,90090TH$126,750

The middle 50% of workers earn between $55,790 and $99,900, with a median of $73,650.

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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Other metros in Missouri

How the Kansas City metro compares to other major Missouri metro areas for chemists.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Chemists in Kansas City, Missouri?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Chemists in the Kansas City metropolitan area is $73,650.
Does Kansas City pay more than the Missouri state average for Chemists?
The Kansas City metro median is -9.9% versus the Missouri state median of $81,720.
How does Kansas City compare to the national median for Chemists?
The Kansas City metro median is -16.5% versus the BLS national figure of $88,164.
What is the salary range for Chemists in Kansas City?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $50,540 and the 90th-percentile at $126,750 for the Kansas City 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 Kansas City 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.