What Does it Take to Be a 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
- Direct, coordinate, or advise personnel in test procedures for analyzing components or physical properties of materials.
- Induce changes in composition of substances by introducing heat, light, energy, or chemical catalysts for quantitative or qualitative analysis.
- Confer with scientists or engineers to conduct analyses of research projects, interpret test results, or develop nonstandard tests.
- Prepare test solutions, compounds, or reagents for laboratory personnel to conduct tests.
- Maintain laboratory instruments to ensure proper working order and troubleshoot malfunctions when needed.
- Compile and analyze test information to determine process or equipment operating efficiency or to diagnose malfunctions.
Chemist Needed Skills
Chemists state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to 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.
Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems.
Types of Chemist Jobs
- Chemical Economist
- Nutritional Chemist
- Physiological Chemist
- Oil Expert
- Food Chemist
What Kind of Chemist Job Opportunities Are There?
In the United States, there were 88,300 jobs for Chemists in 2016.
New jobs are being produced at a rate of 6.5% which is lower than average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 5,700 new jobs for Chemists by 2026. The BLS estimates 8,600 yearly job openings in this field per year.
The states with the most job growth for Chemists are California, Texas, and New Jersey.
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.
What is the Average Salary of a Chemist
Chemists Make between $43,920 and $133,180 a year. A Chemist median salary is $76,890.
How much do Chemists make in each U.S. state?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
|
District of Columbia |
$120,980 |
|
Maryland |
$116,060 |
|
Delaware |
$105,570 |
|
Virginia |
$98,670 |
|
New Jersey |
$96,100 |
|
New Mexico |
$95,940 |
|
Massachusetts |
$94,270 |
|
Connecticut |
$92,850 |
|
California |
$88,570 |
|
Minnesota |
$88,400 |
|
Texas |
$87,490 |
|
New York |
$85,590 |
|
Rhode Island |
$85,390 |
|
Washington |
$84,440 |
|
North Dakota |
$83,570 |
|
Alaska |
$83,310 |
|
Georgia |
$83,240 |
|
Michigan |
$79,860 |
|
Nebraska |
$79,740 |
|
Mississippi |
$78,680 |
|
Idaho |
$78,400 |
|
New Hampshire |
$77,960 |
|
North Carolina |
$77,820 |
|
Oklahoma |
$77,740 |
|
Kansas |
$77,600 |
|
Louisiana |
$77,490 |
|
Colorado |
$77,250 |
|
Pennsylvania |
$77,250 |
|
Oregon |
$76,780 |
|
Hawaii |
$76,480 |
|
Alabama |
$76,220 |
|
South Carolina |
$75,960 |
|
Tennessee |
$75,430 |
|
Illinois |
$74,770 |
|
Missouri |
$73,940 |
|
Ohio |
$72,940 |
|
Arkansas |
$72,840 |
|
Kentucky |
$72,100 |
|
Arizona |
$72,090 |
|
Wisconsin |
$71,690 |
|
Nevada |
$71,230 |
|
Iowa |
$71,120 |
|
Utah |
$70,450 |
|
Indiana |
$69,690 |
|
Vermont |
$69,140 |
|
Florida |
$67,800 |
|
Wyoming |
$66,420 |
|
West Virginia |
$66,040 |
|
Montana |
$64,820 |
|
Maine |
$64,730 |
|
South Dakota |
$62,550 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Chemists
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Chemists may use on a daily basis:
- C++
- Extensible markup language XML
- ChemSW Molecular Modeling Pro
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- Minitab
- ChemInnovation Software Chem 4-D
- Microsoft Excel
- C
- Microsoft Office
- Structured query language SQL
How do I Become a Chemist?
What education is needed to be a Chemist?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where do Chemists Work?
Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those thinking about becoming Chemists might also be interested in the following careers:
- Archeologists
Those who work as Chemists sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
References
Image Credit: Via Wikimedia Commons
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