Median pay
$84,150
Median annual pay for Chemists.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Science
Chemists
Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge.
10-year growth
4.9%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings
6,300
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment
86,800
Estimated U.S. employment for Chemists in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost
+4,300
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation
Bachelor's degree
Typical education needed to enter Chemists.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile
What the work involves
Strongest O*NET signals first.
Essential skills
- 1Science
- 2Critical Thinking
- 3Reading Comprehension
- 4Speaking
- 5Active Listening
- 6Mathematics
Knowledge areas
- 1Chemistry
- 2English Language
- 3Mathematics
- 4Production and Processing
- 5Administration and Management
- 6Computers and Electronics
Abilities
- 1Deductive Reasoning
- 2Inductive Reasoning
- 3Oral Comprehension
- 4Oral Expression
- 5Written Comprehension
- 6Written Expression
Career interests
- 1Investigative
- 2Realistic
- 3Conventional
- 4Enterprising
- 5Artistic
- 6Social
Work styles
- 1Attention to Detail
- 2Intellectual Curiosity
- 3Dependability
- 4Innovation
- 5Cautiousness
- 6Achievement Orientation
Work activities
- 1Documenting/Recording Information
- 2Analyzing Data or Information
- 3Getting Information
- 4Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- 5Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- 6Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Work context
- 1E-Mail
- 2Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- 3Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- 4Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- 5Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- 6Freedom to Make Decisions
Representative 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.
Software and tools
Microsoft Office software · in demandMicrosoft PowerPoint · in demandMicrosoft Excel · in demandMicrosoft Access · hot technologyOracle Java · hot technologyR · hot technologySAP software · hot technologyExtensible markup language XML · hot technologyC · hot technologyC++ · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyStructured query language SQL · hot technology
Sources
BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.