What You Need to Know About Chemist
Career Description Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge.
List of Chemist Job Duties
- Evaluate laboratory safety procedures to ensure compliance with standards or to make improvements as needed.
- Conduct quality control tests.
- Confer with scientists or engineers to conduct analyses of research projects, interpret test results, or develop nonstandard tests.
- Analyze organic or inorganic compounds to determine chemical or physical properties, composition, structure, relationships, or reactions, using chromatography, spectroscopy, or spectrophotometry techniques.
- Direct, coordinate, or advise personnel in test procedures for analyzing components or physical properties of materials.
- Develop, improve, or customize products, equipment, formulas, processes, or analytical methods.
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Chemist Required Skills
Below is a list of the skills most Chemists say are important on the job.
Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Quality Control Chemist (QC Chemist)
- Agricultural Chemist
- Patent Chemist
- Astrochemist
- Chemical Laboratory Chief
Chemist Employment Estimates
In the United States, there were 88,300 jobs for Chemist in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 6.5% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 5,700 new jobs for Chemist by 2026. The BLS estimates 8,600 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Chemist are Utah, Wisconsin, and Nevada. Watch out if you plan on working in Alabama, North Dakota, or Hawaii. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
How Much Does a Chemist Make?
Chemists make between $43,920 and $133,180 a year.
Chemists who work in District of Columbia, Maryland, or Delaware, make the highest salaries.
How much do Chemists make in different U.S. states?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $76,220 |
| Alaska | $83,310 |
| Arizona | $72,090 |
| Arkansas | $72,840 |
| California | $88,570 |
| Colorado | $77,250 |
| Connecticut | $92,850 |
| Delaware | $105,570 |
| District of Columbia | $120,980 |
| Florida | $67,800 |
| Georgia | $83,240 |
| Hawaii | $76,480 |
| Idaho | $78,400 |
| Illinois | $74,770 |
| Indiana | $69,690 |
| Iowa | $71,120 |
| Kansas | $77,600 |
| Kentucky | $72,100 |
| Louisiana | $77,490 |
| Maine | $64,730 |
| Maryland | $116,060 |
| Massachusetts | $94,270 |
| Michigan | $79,860 |
| Minnesota | $88,400 |
| Mississippi | $78,680 |
| Missouri | $73,940 |
| Montana | $64,820 |
| Nebraska | $79,740 |
| Nevada | $71,230 |
| New Hampshire | $77,960 |
| New Jersey | $96,100 |
| New Mexico | $95,940 |
| New York | $85,590 |
| North Carolina | $77,820 |
| North Dakota | $83,570 |
| Ohio | $72,940 |
| Oklahoma | $77,740 |
| Oregon | $76,780 |
| Pennsylvania | $77,250 |
| Rhode Island | $85,390 |
| South Carolina | $75,960 |
| South Dakota | $62,550 |
| Tennessee | $75,430 |
| Texas | $87,490 |
| Utah | $70,450 |
| Vermont | $69,140 |
| Virginia | $98,670 |
| Washington | $84,440 |
| West Virginia | $66,040 |
| Wisconsin | $71,690 |
| Wyoming | $66,420 |
What Tools do Chemists Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Chemists may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Access
- Word processing software
- SAP
- Microsoft Visio
- Structured query language SQL
- Microsoft Visual Basic
- Extensible markup language XML
- Minitab
- National Instruments LabVIEW
- C
- Graphics software
- Statistical software
- Internet browser software
- Laboratory information management system LIMS
- Apple iWork Keynote
Becoming a Chemist
Learn what Chemist education requirements there are.
How many years of work experience do I need?
Who Employs Chemists?
The table below shows the approximate number of Chemists employed by various industries.
Similar Careers
Those interested in being a Chemist may also be interested in:
Those who work as a Chemist sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
Image Credit: Sarah Chambers via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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