What is a Chemist?
Job 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.
- Direct, coordinate, or advise personnel in test procedures for analyzing components or physical properties of materials.
- Conduct quality control tests.
- Purchase laboratory supplies, such as chemicals, when supplies are low or near their expiration date.
- Maintain laboratory instruments to ensure proper working order and troubleshoot malfunctions when needed.
- Analyze organic or inorganic compounds to determine chemical or physical properties, composition, structure, relationships, or reactions, using chromatography, spectroscopy, or spectrophotometry techniques.
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What Every Chemist Should Know
Below is a list of the skills most Chemists say are important on the job.
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.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Types of Chemist
- Laboratory Supervisor
- Sanitary Chemist
- Research and Development Chemist
- Textile Chemist
- Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Analyst (GC-MS Analyst)
Is There Job Demand 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.
What is the Average Salary of a Chemist
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 each U.S. state?
| 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
Individuals working as a Chemist have obtained the following education levels:
What work experience do I need to become a Chemist?
Chemists Sector
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
Related 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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