What Is the Employment Outlook for A Chemist?

Discover the potential of a career in chemistry. To determine whether this is the appropriate career for you, review the education requirements, work responsibilities, salary, and potential job growth.

What is the definition of a chemist?

Chemists investigate the molecular structure of matter and the interactions between substances. They conduct research and the development of new products and processes that are employed in a diverse array of industries, pursuits, and professions. Chemists accomplish this by undertaking intricate experiments and evaluating materials for their composition and adherence to safety and quality standards.

They frequently supervise the work of technicians and other laboratory personnel, in addition to providing them with instruction on the appropriate testing procedures and laboratory techniques. Chemists generate scientific reports and communicate their discoveries to their peers and collaborators. A career as a chemist is illustrated in the subsequent chart.

What Are My Employment Opportunities?

As of 2018, the United States employed 95,800 chemists, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicted a 4% increase in employment in this sector from 2018 to 2028, which is slower than the average growth rate for other occupations.

According to BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics), there are more opportunities for chemists after chemistry work experience.

It was anticipated that competition for chemist positions would be fierce. Those who possess advanced degrees may have more favorable prospects, with a doctoral degree providing the most promising opportunities, particularly at larger biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies.

Where might I locate employment?

Chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing, scientific research and development, and architectural and engineering services are the primary industries in which chemists are employed.

Additionally, the Federal Executive Branch is a substantial employer. The majority of workers are employed in heavily industrialized areas, with the highest concentration of workers being found in Delaware, New Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts, and North Carolina (BLS).

Some chemists, particularly those with bachelor’s degrees, may pursue careers as chemical technicians or technologists, teachers, or they may secure related positions in marketing, sales, or management.

Which industries are experiencing growth or decline?

Some of the demand for chemists is being driven by biotechnology firms, which have conducted research on the human genome, resulting in the development of novel pharmaceuticals. In addition to efforts to comply with new government regulations and clear up waste sites, environmental research is a developing industry that is creating job opportunities for chemists. Outsourcing to research and development firms is anticipated to result in a slight decrease in the manufacturing sector; nevertheless, this presents a growth opportunity for those organizations.

What is the potential for me to earn?

The mean compensation for chemists employed in all sectors of the economy was $86,410, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2020. The average annual salary of chemists employed by pharmaceutical and medical manufacturing companies was $81,250, while those employed in scientific research and development earned an average of $99,720.

An average of $67,050 was earned annually by chemists employed in architectural, engineering, and related services.

What are some alternative careers that are related?

Chemical engineers, geoscientists, and materials engineers are among the occupations that necessitate a bachelor’s degree. Chemical engineers resolve production challenges for a diverse array of products, including food and substances, by employing mathematics and science.

They may supervise the operation and develop novel manufacturing processes. Geoscientists investigate the Earth’s tangible characteristics to ascertain its history. New materials and substances that comprise various products are developed and tested by materials engineers.

What is the role of a laboratory chemist?

Investigate the qualifications necessary to become a laboratory chemist. Find out if this is the vocation for you by researching the educational requirements, job prognosis, and salary information.

In order to generate viable products, laboratory chemists conduct experiments with a variety of substances. They analyze substances at the molecular level to determine the composition and concentration of the elements that constitute a compound. They are trained in a variety of laboratory tests and techniques and frequently instruct other technicians and lab workers in the same manner.

Lab chemists conduct intricate experiments and record meticulous notes regarding the process, analysis, and outcomes. Subsequently, they communicate these discoveries to clients, engineers, other scientists, or the general public through scientific publications and presentations. In the present day, numerous chemists collaborate with biologists, engineers, and other professionals on a variety of projects, necessitating their ability to work effectively in teams. Information regarding this occupation is presented in the subsequent table:

In the capacity of a chemist, you would investigate a variety of compounds and chemical reactions that have the potential to develop novel products and processes for human use. These may encompass oil-refining processes, synthetic fibres, or medical pharmaceuticals. The majority of your time would be spent in a laboratory environment, where you would evaluate the structures and properties of a variety of compounds. Additionally, you may elect to specialize in a particular field of chemistry, such as organic, materials, or physical chemistry.

It is highly probable that you would secure employment in the research and development department of a private organization, federal agency, scientific research service, or manufacturing corporation. You may collaborate with engineers, physicists, and computer specialists to assist in the creation of new products. Based on the scale of your employer, the laboratory in which you would be employed is likely to vary in size. Typically, any time that was not spent in the laboratory would be allocated to the preparation of reports and the development of novel experiments.

What type of education would be beneficial for me?

You will require a bachelor’s degree in chemistry or a related discipline to qualify for an entry-level lab chemist position. A comprehensive understanding of quantitative physical sciences can be acquired through a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry program.

Inorganic chemistry, biochemistry, algebra, quantum mechanics, biology, computer science, and physics will be the subjects of the courses and laboratories. Certain bachelor’s degree programs may permit you to select a concentration, such as biochemistry.

How can I advance in my field?

Given that numerous research positions necessitate a graduate degree; it may be advantageous to pursue a Master of Science or Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Chemistry.

The majority of graduate programs are centered around a specific specialty, such as analytical chemistry, synthetic organic chemistry, or polymer chemistry. Before enrolling in a graduate-level program, you may wish to ascertain the specific career path you wish to pursue.

For instance, if you are interested in conducting analytical testing for a government agency, you may wish to pursue a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry.

What is the potential salary that I could anticipate earning?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov), 82,940 chemists were employed in laboratories across the nation as of May 2020. Their median annual salary was $79,300.

Numerous chemists were employed by pharmaceutical or chemical manufacturers, while others were employed by federal agencies and scientific research and development companies.

What are some alternative careers that are related?

A bachelor’s degree is required for a variety of related professions, including natural sciences administrators and chemical engineers. Natural sciences administrators are responsible for the coordination and supervision of research projects and experiments that involve the collaboration of numerous scientists, including physicists, biologists, and chemists.

In order to address practical issues related to the production of chemical products, chemical engineers integrate their expertise in chemistry with that of mathematics, biology, and other disciplines.

Biochemists and biophysicists are also comparable; however, they necessitate a professional or doctoral degree. These professionals analyze the chemical and physical composition of biological organisms.