Chemists
Overview
Chemists are like scientific detectives who study substances to understand what they're made of and how they work. They design experiments to create new materials and products, from medicines to plastics, while working with advanced lab equipment and computer software to analyze their findings. These scientists collaborate with engineers and other researchers, manage lab teams, and present their discoveries to help solve real-world problems. Most chemists need a bachelor's degree in chemistry and often work in modern labs, pharmaceutical companies, or research facilities where teamwork and innovation are key.
Did you know?
Most chemistry positions in the US require at least a bachelor's degree, with many research and senior roles demanding master's or doctoral degrees from accredited institutions.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$86,969.02 Avg/yr
Growth
Fast Growing
Top Skill
Service Orientation
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain laboratory instruments to ensure proper working order and troubleshoot malfunctions when needed.
- Conduct quality control tests.
- Evaluate laboratory safety procedures to ensure compliance with standards or to make improvements as needed.
- Compile and analyze test information to determine process or equipment operating efficiency or to diagnose malfunctions.
- Write technical papers or reports or prepare standards and specifications for processes, facilities, products, or tests.
- Prepare test solutions, compounds, or reagents for laboratory personnel to conduct tests.
- Develop, improve, or customize products, equipment, formulas, processes, or analytical methods.
- 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.
- 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.
- Purchase laboratory supplies, such as chemicals, when supplies are low or near their expiration date.
Career Considerations
Advanced Education Requirements
Most chemistry positions in the US require at least a bachelor's degree, with many research and senior roles demanding master's or doctoral degrees from accredited institutions.
Industry Specialization Opportunities
American chemists can specialize in diverse sectors including pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, environmental consulting, and materials science, each offering different career trajectories and salary ranges.
Regulatory Compliance Knowledge
Understanding US federal regulations from agencies like FDA, EPA, and OSHA is essential for chemists working in American industries due to strict safety and environmental standards.