All About Chemists
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.
A Day in the Life of a Chemist
- Induce changes in composition of substances by introducing heat, light, energy, or chemical catalysts for quantitative or qualitative analysis.
- Compile and analyze test information to determine process or equipment operating efficiency or to diagnose malfunctions.
- Conduct quality control 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.
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What Every Chemist Should Know
When polled, Chemists say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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
- Wet Chemistry Analyst
- Soil Chemist
- Powder Expert
- Chemical Analyst
- Forensic Chemist
Job Demand for Chemists
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. 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.
How Much Does a Chemist Make?
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 & Technology 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
How do I Become a Chemist?
Education needed to be a Chemist:
How Long Does it Take to Become a Chemist?
Where Chemists Work
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
Other Jobs You May 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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