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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Chemists

Median Salary
84,680
Job Outlook
+8%
In-Demand

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge.

Did you know this role exists in the Military?

What is the job outlook?

Overall employment of chemists and materials scientists is projected to grow 8 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. About 7,800 openings for chemists and materials scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$55,200

10%

$84,680

Median

$141,880

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Bachelor's degree

    55%

  • Doctoral degree

    30%

  • Master's degree

    9%

  • Post baccalaureate

    4%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Chemistry, General
  • Forensic Chemistry
  • Materials Chemistry
  • Chemical Physics
  • Chemistry, Other
  • Polymer Chemistry
  • Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry
  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Theoretical Chemistry
  • Inorganic Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Physical Chemistry
  • Cheminformatics/Chemistry Informatics

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Verbal Skills

    High

  • Math and Science Skills

    High

  • Technology Design and Control

    High

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    High

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    High

  • Leadership

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Chemistry
  • Mathematics
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Administrative
  • English Language

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Responsibility

    High

  • Level Of Competition

    High

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Mid

  • Time Pressure

    Mid

  • Repetitiveness

    Mid

  • Decision Making

    Mid

  • Physical Activity

    Mid

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.