Chemists

Also Called: Analytical Chemist, Chemist, Forensic Scientist, Research Chemist

Bachelor's Degree

usually needed

Not Available
(Students Only)
Match Percentage

$52,950

Entry Salary

Bright

Job outlook

What Chemists do

Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge.

  • Analyze organic or inorganic compounds to determine chemical or physical properties, composition, structure, relationships, or reactions, using chromatography, spectroscopy, or spectrophotometry techniques.
  • Conduct quality control tests.
  • Maintain laboratory instruments to ensure proper working order and troubleshoot malfunctions when needed.
Industry Areas:

Renewable Resources and Energy

Expand For Additional Details

Work Context

  • Electronic Mail
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  • Face-to-Face Discussions
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

Tools

  • Lasers
  • Titration equipment
  • Benchtop centrifuges
  • Calorimeters
  • Spectrometers

Technology

Analytical or scientific software
Agilent ChemStation
Minitab
Presentation software
Apple iWork Keynote
Microsoft PowerPoint
Data base user interface and query software
Microsoft Access
Structured query language SQL

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Science
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Mathematics

Knowledge

Math and Science
chemistry
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Manufactured or Agricultural Goods
manufacture and distribution of products
Engineering and Technology
computers and electronics
product and service development
Arts and Humanities
English language

Education

  • 86% Bachelor's degree
  • 7% Master's degree
  • 4% Associate's degree

Experience

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

What are some related occupations at different educational levels?


Quality Control Analysts

Educational Level

High School Diploma or Equivalent

 Job Training Match

Security & Fire Alarm Systems Installers

Educational Level

Post-secondary, non-degree

Chemical Technicians

Educational Level

Associate's Degree

Chemists Currently Selected

Educational Level

Bachelor's Degree

Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary

Educational Level

Advanced Degree

What are your training options on the pathway to this occupation?

Advanced Training

There are currently no advanced training opportunities for this career.

ACT & College

  • Abilene Christian University

    Abilene, TX

  • Adams State University

    Alamosa, CO

Apprenticeships

Earn while you learn. Apprenticeships combines paid training & specialized classes to help workers enter highly skilled occupations. Click here for to locate an apprenticeship near you.

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Are You a Good Fit?

Occupation Traits

    • Conventional (Organizer)
    • Investigative (Thinker)
    • Realistic (Doer)

Work Styles

  • Attention to Detail
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Integrity
  • Dependability
  • Adaptability/Flexibility
  • Cooperation

Values

  • Achievement
  • Independence
  • Working Conditions

Abilities

  • Verbal
  • Math
  • Ideas and Logic
  • Hand and Finger Use

This is what Chemists across the country typically make.

$25.46 / hour
$52,950 /year

Entry Level

$40.71 / hour
$84,680 /year

Median Level

$71.90 / hour
$149,550 /year

Experienced Level

Income information reflects a regional average.
Income information reflects a national average.

This career’s National Job Outlook is

Bright

Please be sure to verify the outlook of this occupation with your instructor.

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