Chemists: Career Information

Job Description of Chemists: Chemists search for and use new knowledge about chemicals. They develop processes that save energy and reduce pollution. Most chemists work in research and development. Others work in production and quality control in chemical manufacturing plants. Chemists specialize in areas such as analytical, organic, inorganic, physical and theoretical, macromolecular, medicinal, and materials chemistry.

Employment Facts for Chemists: In 2004, 82,000 people were employed as chemists in the United States.

Educational Requirements for Chemists: One who wants to work as a chemist must have, at the minimum, a bachelor's degree in chemistry. However, a master's degree is required for many jobs, and a Ph.D. is required for most. Those who want to pursue careers in chemistry should take courses in science and mathematics.

Other Requirements for Chemists: Future chemists should like working with their hands, building scientific apparatus, and performing laboratory experiments. They should also like computer modeling. The following traits are also necessary:

• Perseverance;
• Curiosity;
• The ability to concentrate on detail;
• The ability to work independently

Job Outlook for Chemists: Employment of chemists is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through 2014.

Earnings of Chemists:

Median Annual Earnings in the Industries Employing the Largest Numbers of Chemists (U.S., 2004^*)

• Federal government: $80,550
• Scientific research and development services: $62,460
• Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing: $57,050
• Architectural, engineering, and related services: $42,370

Use the Salary Wizard at Salary.com to find out how much chemists currently earn in your city.

What Do Chemists Working in Different Specialties Do?:

• Analytical chemists examine and identify the elements and compounds that make up a substance in order to determine the structure, composition, and nature of that substance.
• Organic chemists study the chemistry of the carbon compounds that make up all living things.
• Inorganic chemists study compounds consisting mainly of elements other than carbon.
• Medicinal chemists study the structural properties of compounds intended for applications to human medicine.
• Materials chemists study and develop new materials to improve existing products or make new ones.

*This is the most recent year for which this information is available.

Information courtesy of Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07 Edition, Chemists and Materials Scientists, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos049.htm (visited October 27, 2006).
U.S. Department of Labor (Developed by National O*NET Consortium). O*Net Online, Chemists, on the Internet at http://online.onetcenter.org/link/details/19-2031.00 (visited October 27, 2006).