Chemists
SOC Code: 19-2031Also known as:
Agricultural Chemist, Air Quality Chemist, Analytical Chemist, Analytical Scientist, Assay Development Scientist
Median Annual Salary
$84,150
+4.9% growth (2024-2034)
6K
Openings/Year
87K
Current Jobs
What Chemists Do
Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge.
💰 Salary
$84,150
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+4.9%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
Bachelor's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
6K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
86,800
Projected Employment (2034)
91,000
Related Careers
Chemical engineers
$121,860 •
+2.6% growth
Biochemists and biophysicists
$103,650 •
+5.8% growth
Microbiologists
$87,330 •
+4.1% growth
Materials scientists
$104,160 •
+4.9% growth
Top Skills Required
Science
Reading Comprehension
Critical Thinking
Speaking
Active Listening
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Bachelor's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Chemists
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a chemists:
Chemistry, General
18,323 degrees awarded •
1,175 colleges offer this program
Chemistry, Other
540 degrees awarded •
59 colleges offer this program
Forensic Chemistry
367 degrees awarded •
26 colleges offer this program
Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry
185 degrees awarded •
30 colleges offer this program
Polymer Chemistry
83 degrees awarded •
8 colleges offer this program
Chemical Physics
41 degrees awarded •
14 colleges offer this program
Analytical Chemistry
38 degrees awarded •
7 colleges offer this program
Environmental Chemistry
20 degrees awarded •
10 colleges offer this program
Materials Chemistry
16 degrees awarded •
6 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Chemists
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become chemists.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do chemists make?
The median annual salary for chemists is $84,150.
What education do chemists need?
Most chemists positions require a bachelor's degree.
Common degree programs include Chemistry, General, Chemistry, Other, Forensic Chemistry.
Is becoming chemists a good career choice?
Chemists is projected to see +4.9% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 6,300 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for chemists?
Top colleges for aspiring chemists include
University of California-Los Angeles, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, University of California-San Diego, University of Florida, University of California-Berkeley.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to chemists?
Chemists may also be 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, Control Chemist, Cosmetic Chemist, Dairy Chemist, Electrochemist, Environmental Field Chemist.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.