Science
Chemist
Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge.
Median pay
$91,240
Growth to 2035
+6%
faster than average
Openings a year
5,900
Time to qualify*
Minimal
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Chemist
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- Bachelor's degree
- On-the-job training
- None
- Prior experience
- None
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Hazardous conditions
Chemist: 31% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- 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.
Also called: Air Quality Chemist · Analytical Chemist · Chemical Lab Scientist (Chemical Laboratory Scientist) · Chemist · Forensic Chemist · Product Development Chemist · QC Chemist (Quality Control Chemist) · R and D Chemist (Research and Development Chemist)
Outlook and AI
Chemists held 84,900 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 90,300 by 2035 (+6%, faster than average; all jobs: +3.5%).
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