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Chemists in Oregon

Chemists in Oregon

Considering working as a Chemists in Oregon? Here’s what you need to know. Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge. Excludes “Biochemists and Biophysicists” (19-1021) and “Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers” (19-2042).

What do Chemists Make in Oregon?

The chemists working in Oregon, the median annual wage is $84,150 per year (or about $40.46/hour).Pay can range from $60,750 at the 10th percentile to $127,500 at the 90th percentile.

Wage Statistic Annual Hourly
10th percentile $60,750 $29.21
25th percentile $75,740 $36.42
Median (50th) $84,150 $40.46
75th percentile $103,870 $49.94
90th percentile $127,500 $61.30
Salary ranges for Chemists in Oregon

The job concentration index in Oregon relative to the national average — is 0.57, indicating fewer chemists per worker than the national average.

National Wage Comparison

Nationally, chemists earn a median of $59,779 per year ($28.74/hour), higher than the Oregon median.

Chemists earnings in Oregon vs. the national average

Employment Outlook

National employment for 88,892 chemists in the U.S.. In Oregon alone, about 600 people work in this role. That’s below the typical state, which employs around 750 chemists.

Chemists in Oregon vs. the average state Forecasted number of jobs for Chemists

Top Oregon Metros for Chemists

The metro areas below employ the most chemists in Oregon.

Metro Area Number Employed Annual Median Salary
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA 410 $81,070
Eugene-Springfield, OR 80 $100,810
Corvallis, OR 70 n/a
Bend, OR 50 $86,130

Top States for Chemists Employment

These states have the highest employment of chemists work.

State Number Employed
Pennsylvania 9,070
California 8,480
New Jersey 6,210
Texas 5,490
North Carolina 5,140
New York 4,040
Ohio 4,020
Massachusetts 3,340
Illinois 3,250
Michigan 3,200
Maryland 3,000
Indiana 2,070
Wisconsin 1,990
Colorado 1,820
Washington 1,780
Missouri 1,750
Florida 1,660
Virginia 1,340
Minnesota 1,320
Delaware 1,180

Highest-Paying States for Chemists

These states pay the most for chemists.

State Annual Median Salary
District of Columbia $153,320
New Mexico $134,370
Maryland $131,910
Massachusetts $126,970
Delaware $125,430
Louisiana $109,150
West Virginia $108,010
Texas $101,260
Virginia $99,810
Colorado $97,380

Skills

Key chemists skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:

Science  4.1 / 5
0
5
Critical Thinking  4.0 / 5
0
5
Reading Comprehension  4.0 / 5
0
5
Speaking  3.9 / 5
0
5
Mathematics  3.8 / 5
0
5
Writing  3.8 / 5
0
5

Knowledge Areas

Key knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:

Chemistry  4.9 / 5
0
5
English Language  4.0 / 5
0
5
Mathematics  3.8 / 5
0
5
Production and Processing  3.5 / 5
0
5
Computers and Electronics  3.4 / 5
0
5
Administration and Management  3.4 / 5
0
5

Abilities

The abilities that matter most for chemists, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:

Oral Comprehension  4.0 / 5
0
5
Inductive Reasoning  4.0 / 5
0
5
Oral Expression  4.0 / 5
0
5
Written Comprehension  4.0 / 5
0
5
Deductive Reasoning  4.0 / 5
0
5
Written Expression  4.0 / 5
0
5

Daily Tasks

Chemists typically:

  • 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.
  • Induce changes in composition of substances by introducing heat, light, energy, or chemical catalysts for quantitative or qualitative analysis.
  • Conduct quality control tests.
  • Write technical papers or reports or prepare standards and specifications for processes, facilities, products, or tests.
  • Maintain laboratory instruments to ensure proper working order and troubleshoot malfunctions when needed.
  • Prepare test solutions, compounds, or reagents for laboratory personnel to conduct tests.
  • Compile and analyze test information to determine process or equipment operating efficiency or to diagnose malfunctions.
  • Confer with scientists or engineers to conduct analyses of research projects, interpret test results, or develop nonstandard tests.
  • 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.
  • Purchase laboratory supplies, such as chemicals, when supplies are low or near their expiration date.

Work Activities

  • Documenting/Recording Information
  • Analyzing Data or Information
  • Getting Information
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  • Processing Information
  • Working with Computers
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others

Tools & Technology

Technologies frequently used: Hot technologies: C, C++ In-demand technologies: Microsoft Excel

What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?

Several college majors map to this occupation:

  • Chemistry
  • Materials Sciences
  • Pharmacy/Pharmaceutical Sciences

Related occupations to chemists include:

Also Known As

Agricultural Chemist, Air Quality Chemist, Analytical Chemist, Analytical Scientist, Assay Development Scientist, Astrochemist, Bench Chemist, Bench Scientist, Ceramic Chemist, Cereal Chemist, Chemical Analyst, Chemical Lab Scientist (Chemical Laboratory Scientist), Chemist, Chemistry Scientist, Coal Chemist.

References

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