Chemist

Your Fit

Income

$84K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

6.2%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Chemist?

A Chemist is a scientist who studies the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter, especially of atomic and molecular systems. They apply their knowledge to develop new products, processes, or materials and to understand and control chemical reactions.

Sample job titles:

Analytical Chemist, Chemist, Research Chemist, Scientist

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Chemist.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Chemist earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$53K per year	$64K per year	$84K per year	$120K per year	$154K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $35K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Chemist do?

Work environment

Chemists typically work in laboratories, where they conduct experiments and analyze substances. They may also work in offices when doing theoretical work or writing reports. Their work settings can vary from research institutions and government agencies to industries like pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and environmental services.

Quick task list

Conducts qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses.
Develops and tests new products and processes.
Ensures quality control and safety standards in chemical manufacturing.
Writes technical reports and research papers.
Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams on research projects.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Analytical Chemistry: Focuses on the composition of materials and developing analytical techniques.
Organic Chemistry: Studies carbon-based compounds, including pharmaceuticals and plastics.
Inorganic Chemistry: Deals with inorganic compounds, often focusing on metals and minerals.
Biochemistry: Combines chemistry and biology to study chemical processes in living organisms.
Physical Chemistry: Involves the study of chemical systems using physics concepts, such as thermodynamics and quantum mechanics.

Description

Chemistry is often known as the central science because it bridges other natural sciences, including physics, geology, and biology. Chemists use their expertise to solve problems in many areas of science and technology, developing products and processes that improve our lives. Their work can lead to advancements in medicine, energy, food, and materials, among others.

In their day-to-day work, chemists perform experiments to understand the properties of different substances and how they react with one another. This requires a strong foundation in science, meticulous attention to detail, and excellent analytical skills. They must also be adept at using various scientific instruments and techniques for analysis and synthesis.

The career of a chemist is characterized by lifelong learning and adaptation. The field of chemistry is continuously evolving, with new discoveries and technological advancements regularly emerging. Therefore, chemists must stay updated with the latest scientific literature and developments in their field.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing to scientific innovation and making real-world impacts.
Solving complex problems and continually facing intellectual challenges.
Variety in daily tasks and the opportunity to work in diverse industries.

You might make a good Chemist if you are...

Naturally curious about how substances interact at a molecular level.
Detail-oriented, with a methodical approach to experiments and research.
Strong in analytical thinking and problem-solving.
Proficient in mathematics and comfortable with using technology.
Able to work independently as well as part of a team.

Pros:

Opportunities for innovation and discovery in various fields.
Diverse career paths in research, industry, education, and beyond.
The satisfaction of contributing to advancements in science and technology.

Cons:

Can require extensive education and specialization.
Laboratory work can involve exposure to hazardous materials.
High competition in certain sectors, like pharmaceuticals and academia.

How to become a Chemist

Typical education

A bachelor's degree in chemistry or a related field is the minimum requirement, typically taking 4 years. For research positions, a master's or Ph.D. in chemistry or a related discipline is often required, which can take an additional 2-6 years.

High school preparation

Courses:

Chemistry and Advanced Placement Chemistry for foundational knowledge.
Mathematics, particularly Algebra and Calculus.
Biology and Physics to understand interdisciplinary connections.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Science clubs and competitions, such as Science Olympiad.
Laboratory internships or summer science programs.
Participation in environmental or health-related volunteer activities.

Preparation after high school

Obtain a bachelor's degree in chemistry or a related field.
Consider internships or co-op programs for hands-on experience.
Pursue advanced degrees (Master's or Ph.D.) for specialized research positions.

More resources

American Chemical Society (ACS) - Professional organization offering resources for chemists.
Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) - Provides global networks and resources for chemists.
Chemistry World - Magazine offering news and perspectives in the world of chemistry.
PubChem - Free database of chemical molecules and their activities.
Chemical & Engineering News - Provides the latest news in the field of chemistry.

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