What is a Chemist?
Example of Chemist Job Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge.
What Do Chemists Do On a Daily Basis?
- Analyze organic or inorganic compounds to determine chemical or physical properties, composition, structure, relationships, or reactions, using chromatography, spectroscopy, or spectrophotometry techniques.
- Write technical papers or reports or prepare standards and specifications for processes, facilities, products, or tests.
- Study effects of various methods of processing, preserving, or packaging on composition or properties of foods.
- Induce changes in composition of substances by introducing heat, light, energy, or chemical catalysts for quantitative or qualitative analysis.
- Direct, coordinate, or advise personnel in test procedures for analyzing components or physical properties of materials.
- Purchase laboratory supplies, such as chemicals, when supplies are low or near their expiration date.
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Skills Needed to be a Chemist
These are the skills Chemists say are the most useful in their careers:
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:
- Process Chemist
- Development Associate
- Research Scientist
- Sanitary Chemist
- Nutritional Chemist
Job Opportunities for Chemists
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. There will be an estimated 8,600 positions for Chemist per year.
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.
Salary for a Chemist
The salary for Chemists ranges between about $43,920 and $133,180 a year.
Chemists who work in District of Columbia, Maryland, or Delaware, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Chemists 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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Chemists
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
How to Become a Chemist
What education is needed to be a Chemist?
How Long Does it Take to Become a Chemist?
Chemists Sector
The table below shows the approximate number of Chemists employed by various industries.
You May Also Be Interested In…
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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