For Educators: Military Resources
Military Chemists
Median Salary
145,852
Workforce Count
32
Overview
What are the responsibilities of this role?
In the chemistry field, scientists study the composition of matter and its properties by employing scientific and mathematical techniques to analyze, depict, and display data and analysis results. Military chemists are responsible for developing concepts, methods, techniques, and policy in the areas of chemistry, biochemistry, and weapons of mass destruction.
What is the work environment like?
Chemists in the military work in a variety of settings, both indoors and outdoors, depending on the area of specialization. Many chemists perform their work in laboratories or offices. Other chemists spend extensive hours outdoors collecting and analyzing data in the field. Although they observe strict safety precautions, some chemists may be exposed to hazardous substances.
How many people have this role in the Military?
32
Compensation
Understanding How Military Pay is More Than Just a Salary
Base pay is the standard income you’ll earn as a service member, providing a stable foundation to start achieving your financial goals.
- Always fixed based on rank and service time.
- Distributed monthly.
What is the typical salary range?
Salary by Years of Service
$166,068
2 Years
$118,838
6 Years
$166,068
10+ Years
Median Salary
Military Details
Is this a staff or leadership role?
Officers are service members who plan, direct operations and manage enlisted personnel, developing a broad range of leadership-related skills.
Learn More About Enlisted and Officer PathsWhat does the training for this role entail?
Job training for chemists primarily consists of classroom instruction and on-the-job learning in various training environments. Like other officers, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development.
Education
What level of education do professionals in this role have?
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
Learn About How Military Can Pay for 100% of your College Degree
The Military has several programs that cover college costs — so you can pursue your education with little to no debt.
Learn More About Paying For CollegeSkills and Interest
What knowledge is essential to bring to the table?
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Computers and Electronics
- Administrative
- English Language
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