Life As a Chemist
Chemist Definition 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?
- Develop, improve, or customize products, equipment, formulas, processes, or analytical methods.
- 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.
- 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.
- Conduct quality control tests.
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Chemist Required Skills
Chemists state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
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.
Other Chemist Job Titles
- Forensic Chemist
- Ceramic Chemist
- Pharmaceutical Analyst
- Physical Chemist
- Chemical Laboratory Chief
Chemist Job Outlook
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 88,300 jobs in the United States for Chemist. 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. The BLS estimates 8,600 yearly job openings in this field.
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.
Chemist Average Salary
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.
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?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Chemists:
- 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?
Where Chemists Work
The table below shows the approximate number of Chemists employed by various industries.
You May Also Be Interested In…
Those thinking about becoming a Chemist might also be interested in the following careers:
Career changers with experience as a Chemist sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
Image Credit: Sarah Chambers via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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