Chemists

Career summary

There are many specialties within the field of chemistry. Common job titles include organic chemist, inorganic chemist, food chemist, physical chemist, medicinal chemist, and analytical chemist.

#From 2625

#3/25/19 lh

The studies of chemists result in the development of new products, materials, and processes such as:

• Food safety
• Medicines
• Pollution control
• Ceramics and superconductors
• Plastics

Chemists use complex lab instruments and computers to compile and analyze the results of their research. They often consult with other scientists about research and test results. They also direct and advise other staff in test procedures. In addition, chemists write technical reports or papers.

There are several types of chemists:

Analytical

Analytical chemists study various elements or compounds to learn about their structure and what they are made of. They study how compounds interact with each other.

Inorganic

Inorganic chemists study the structure, properties, and reactions of molecules that do not contain carbon, such as metals. They work to understand the behavior and the characteristics of inorganic substances.

Medicinal

Medicinal chemists research and develop chemical compounds that can be used as pharmaceutical drugs. They work on teams with other scientists and engineers to create and test new drug products.

Organic

Organic chemists study the structure, properties, and reactions of molecules that contain carbon. They also design and make new organic substances that have unique properties and applications.

Physical

Physical chemists study the fundamental characteristics of how matter behaves on a molecular and atomic level and how chemical reactions occur. They may develop new theories, such as how complex structures are formed.

Related careers

This career is part of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Agricultural Scientists
• Astronauts
• Biologists
• Chemical Engineers
• Chemical Plant Operators
• Environmental Scientists
• Food Scientists
• Geologists and Geophysicists
• Nanotechnologists
• Science Technicians
• Wine Makers

Military careers

• Physical Scientists

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to chemists.

• Run quality control tests.
• Analyze organic and inorganic compounds to learn their chemical and physical makeup.
• Develop new products or processes or improve existing ones.
• Use complex laboratory instruments for research.
• Study the effects of processing on food.
• Consult with other scientists to analyze research or interpret test results.
• Test samples of products or raw materials to ensure they meet standards.
• Prepare test solutions for laboratory staff to conduct tests.
• Direct and advise staff in test procedures.
• Make changes in substances by using heat, light, energy, and chemicals. Analyze results.
• Write technical papers or reports.
• Use computers to analyze data.

Common work activities

Chemists perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Document and record information
• Use computers
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Analyze data or information
• Process information
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Evaluate information against standards
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Get information needed to do the job
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Repair and maintain electronic equipment
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Teach others
• Think creatively
• Control machines and processes
• Provide advice and consultation to others
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Schedule work and activities
• Handle and move objects

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, chemists:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a medium level of contact with others. They supervise employees and consult with other scientists.
• Are responsible for other workers' health and safety.
• Are somewhat responsible for the work done by those they supervise or instruct.
• Work as part of a research or analytical team.
• Have face-to-face discussions with coworkers daily.
• Write e-mails on a daily basis. They also write letters and memos but less frequently.
• Communicate daily with coworkers by telephone and e-mail.

Physical work conditions

• Always work indoors in laboratories or offices.
• Always wear protective gloves, masks, or glasses when handling chemicals.
• Are often exposed to contaminants or hazardous conditions while conducting chemical research. There is some possibility of moderate injury. However, risk is reduced by following safety procedures.
• Are exposed to contaminants often.
• Work within several feet of others in the laboratory.
• Sometimes are exposed to loud sounds or distracting noise levels.

Work performance

• Must be very exact when performing their job. Errors could cause serious consequences, such as dangerous chemical reactions or incorrect research results.
• Work in a highly competitive environment.
• Must meet strict deadlines often.
• Rarely consult a supervisor before making a decision or setting tasks.
• Repeat the same mental and physical tasks.

Hours/travel

• Usually work a standard 40-hour week.
• May work longer hours to meet deadlines.

Physical demands

Chemists frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Sit for long periods of time.
• Stand for long periods of time.

It is important for chemists to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for chemists to be able to:

• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.

Skills and abilities

Chemists need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.
• Understand written information.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Identify what must be changed to reach goals.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.

Use math and science

• Use scientific methods to solve problems.
• Choose a mathematical method or formula to solve problems.
• Use math skills to solve problems.
• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide quickly and correctly.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Work with people

• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Teach others how to do something.
• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.

Work with things

• Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.
• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Maintain equipment on a routine basis. Determine when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

Perceive and visualize

• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Biochemistry
• Chemistry

Other programs of study to consider

• Biotechnology
• Chemical Engineering
• Chemical Technology
• Geochemistry
• Nanotechnology
• Natural Sciences
• Oceanography
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Pharmacology
• Physics
• Toxicology

Training

To work as a chemist, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• have at least a bachelor's degree in chemistry.

Education after high school

You need at least a bachelor's degree in chemistry for a job in research or as a laboratory technician. Some have a master's degree. If you get an advanced degree, your bachelor's degree can be in any area of science. For graduate study, however, you must enroll in a chemistry program. In these programs you study inorganic and organic chemistry, math, and computer science. You also learn to work in a lab and use computerized equipment.

You need a doctoral degree (PhD) to lead research projects or teach at a college or university. When working on a doctoral degree you focus on an area such as polymer or analytical chemistry.

Many colleges and universities offer bachelor's degree programs in chemistry. Fewer offer master's and doctoral programs.

Work experience

After completing a doctoral degree, some chemists work as postdoctoral fellows (postdocs). These university positions last for several years. Postdocs get experience working with other chemists. This research can lead to a teaching or research job at a university.

Military training

The military does not provide initial training in this field. However, the military may provide work experience to chemists who have a master's degree or higher.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum  may be different from your state's graduation requirements . You should take as much math and science as you can. Chemists use advanced math. Try to take math through Trigonometry.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Computer Science
• Probability and Statistics
• Safety and First Aid

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups  that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Many employers look for applicants who have computer experience. They prefer to hire chemists who can apply computer skills to research tasks and operation of lab equipment. Employers in research and development often look for applicants who can work well as part of a team. They look for applicants with leadership skills and good oral and written skills. Knowledge of other fields, such as business or marketing, can also be useful.

Many employers prefer applicants who have experience in the field of chemistry. Students can gain experience in college laboratories or through internships in industry. Many employers, especially in research, prefer to hire applicants with a PhD or at least a master's degree. Universities choose candidates based on their area of research and the quality of their published articles.

Some companies have different career tracks for bachelor's, master's, and doctoral applicants. Chemists with bachelor's and master's degrees may find it very hard to move to higher positions, such as a research chemist, within these companies without having a PhD. Non-PhD chemists are more likely to find jobs in regulatory affairs for business. Employers look for workers with initiative, excellent communication skills, and general experience in such areas as safety standards and research techniques.

#much of this is from '03 CPST Comments, I still think it valid so left it in. lh 3/23/07.

Tips

A person with a bachelor's degree in chemistry should be flexible regarding the area of specialization to pursue. Summer or part-time work in a laboratory is good experience. Internships or work study while in college are also good ways to gain experience in the field. Computer experience and courses in computer science will improve employment opportunities. A solid educational background in math and physics is very important. New college graduates should seek employment as soon as possible due to a tighter job market in chemistry. Those who know how to make themselves stand out amongst their peers will fare best when looking for their first job.

#CPST Comments, Jan/Feb 2004, p.1. CJ 3/30/04.

#Comments on initiative, teamwork, and standing out from ones peers (tips) from Chemical & Engineering News article, Jan. 2, 2006.

Costs to workers

Workers may want to join a professional association and pay annual membership dues. Also, many chemists take additional college classes and attend conferences and seminars for professional development and to keep up with changes in the field.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Chemists 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages vary by level of education. Chemists who have a master's degree earn an average of $10,000 more per year than those who have a bachelor's degree. Those who have a PhD earn an average of $15,000 more per year than those who have a master's degree. In general, salaries are highest for those working in private industry, and lowest for those working for colleges or universities.

Full-time chemists usually receive benefits that include sick leave, health insurance, and a retirement plan.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Research and testing companies
• Drug manufacturing companies
• Testing laboratories

National outlook

Demand for chemists is expected to grow about as fast as average. Job opportunities are expected to be best in drug and biotechnology firms. Many companies are partnering with small research and testing companies to help cut costs. Demand should be strong in small research and development companies. Chemists will be needed to find ways to reduce pollution and clean up existing waste sites. Research into alternative energy sources should also increase demand.

Job prospects are best for chemists with advanced degrees.

Other resources

Alpha Chi Sigma 
6296 Rucker Road, Suite B
Indianapolis, IN 46220
800.252.4369

American Association of Cereal Chemists International 
3340 Pilot Knob Road
St. Paul, MN 55121
651.454.7250

American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists 
2107 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 700
Arlington, VA 22201
703.243.2800

American Chemical Society 
1155 Sixteenth Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
800.227.5558

American Chemistry Council 
700 Second Street NE
Washington, DC 20002
202.249.7000

American Coatings Association 
1500 Rhode Island Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20005
202.462.6272

American Oil Chemists Society 
PO Box 17190
Urbana, IL 61803-7190
217.359.2344

American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 
11200 Rockville Pike
Ste 302
Rockville, MD 20852-3110
240.283.6600

Chemistry Careers 

Council for Agricultural Science and Technology 
4420 West Lincoln Way
Ames, IA 50014
515.292.2125

Nanooze 

National Academy of Sciences Interviews 

National Nanotechnology Initiative 

National Science Foundation 
2415 Eisenhower Avenue
Alexandria, Virginia 2231

Parenteral Drug Association 
Bethesda Towers
4350 East West Highway, Suite 600
Bethesda, MD 20814

Science Careers 

Society of Plastics Engineers 
100 Reserve Rd, Suite B310
Danbury, CT 06810
203.703.5400

Technology Student Association 
1904 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191-1540
888.860.9010

Washington State Science & Engineering Fair 

References

Career cluster

• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Career path

• Investigative (Science)

O*Net  occupation

• Chemists (19-2031.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed. A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Chemist (022.061-010) 
• Chemist, Food (022.061-014) 
• Laboratory Supervisor (022.137-010) 

Strong Interest Inventory

• Chemist

Holland occupational cluster

• Investigative/Realistic/Conventional

COPSystem

• Science Professional