Chemist Careers Information
Chemists study and manipulate the properties and molecular connections of the materials that make up our world. With the knowledge they have gained, we have been able to create new medicines, cleaner energies, and a whole host of synthetic materials, such as nylon and plastics. They have also been keenly involved in the development of the materials found in our electronic devices and so share credit in our technological revolution.
Chemist Careers & Degrees
Whether chemists work on basic research in an academic setting or on applied research for corporations, chemists are at the forefront of the discoveries that make our modern world what it is.
Many different types of chemists exist. Organic chemists work with the carbon-based molecules that are the bedrock of life as we know it; inorganic chemists work with most other chemicals.
Analytical chemists attempt to unravel the structures of natural substances and so are very important to industries, especially the pharmaceutical industry, which wish to synthesize and mass produce such substances.
The work of physical and theoretical chemists, which seeks to understand the properties of atoms and way chemical reactions work, has historically been very useful for developing new energies.
Macromolecular chemists study how atoms and molecules act, both on their own and in reaction with one another; medicinal chemists work to create new medicines.
No matter their subfield, however, chemists are increasingly working on interdisciplinary projects with other researchers and scientists in order to find new applications for old materials and better materials to support technological progress.
Chemist Careers Path
A Bachelor’s degree in chemistry is usually the minimum requirement for entry-level chemist careers. For research jobs and upper-level positions, a Master’s degree or even Ph.D. are often required.
Chemists usually take other science courses beyond chemistry,physics, biology, and mathematics are common. Increasingly, work in computer science and/or computer programming is helpful as many experiments in the chemical field involve work with computers and sometimes even the creation of specialized programs.
Though graduate student chemists specialize in a subfield, it is usually best for undergraduates to remain as broad in their studies as possible. This makes them more employable, especially since most employers train new hires.
Chemist Careers Compatible Personality Traits
Intelligent, highly analytic, good with technology, good communicator. able to follow complex instructions, detail-oriented, thorough
Chemist Careers Salary Expectations
The average salary for a chemist is $66,230 a year, with the middle fifty percent earning $48,630 and $89,660. The beginning salary for people with a chemistry degree is $39,897 a year. The average salary for chemists who work for the federal government in all levels of positions is $101,687 a year. With more experience, a chemist may be able to move into supervisory or management positions and earn more money.
Chemist Careers Job Outlook
The job outlook for chemists in the coming years is not as strong as other fields in the sciences. Because of budgetary concerns, many companies that have traditionally employed chemists are may turn to outsourcing such work to specialized chemical research firms. As a result, most job growth that does occur will happen in these specialty firms.
Chemists with Ph.D. degrees and who work in applied research, especially in environmental, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical fields, should have the best prospects of finding work.
Slightly off the Footpath
Source: bls.gov/oco/ocos049.htm
