Career Overview
Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge.
Also Known As
- Analytical Chemist
- Chemist
- Research Chemist
- Scientist
Alternate Job Titles
- Agricultural Chemist
- Air Quality Chemist
- Analytical Chemist
- Analytical Scientist
- Assay Development Scientist
- Astrochemist
- Bench Chemist
- Bench Scientist
- Ceramic Chemist
- Cereal Chemist
- Chemical Analyst
- Chemical Lab Scientist (Chemical Laboratory Scientist)
- Chemist
- Chemistry Scientist
- Coal Chemist
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Chemistry
- English Language
- Mathematics
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Science
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Mathematics
- Active Learning
- Complex Problem Solving
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Written Expression
- Deductive Reasoning
- Inductive Reasoning
- Written Comprehension
- Problem Sensitivity
- Information Ordering
- Category Flexibility
- Near Vision
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Innovation
- Cautiousness
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Achievement
- Independence
- Working Conditions
- Recognition
- Support
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
Education Details: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience Required: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- C
- C++
- Extensible markup language XML
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Visio
- Microsoft Visual Basic
Tools & Equipment
- Air dryers
- Airfree/waterfree solvent purification systems
- Alcohol lamps
- Analytical balances
- Annealing ovens
- Atomic absorption AA spectrometers
- Automatic peptide synthesizers
- Autotitrators
- Beakers
- Benchtop lyophilizers
- Box furnace ovens
- Bunsen burners
- Burets
- Capillary electrophoresis systems
- Carbon hydrogen nitrogen CHN elemental analyzers
Work Environment
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $53,210 |
| Median | $84,150 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $154,430 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 83,250
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Chemical Engineers
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $121,860
Biochemists and Biophysicists
Education: Post-Doctoral Training
Median Salary: $103,650
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: Varies
Microbiologists
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $87,330
Materials Scientists
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $104,160
Is This Career Right for You?
Discover your perfect career match with our free comprehensive assessment! Get personalized recommendations based on your interests, skills, and values.
Take the Free Career Assessment →
Want Personalized Guidance?
For customized career recommendations, college selection strategies, and expert application support, explore the MehtA+ Admissions Consulting Program. We help students identify the right opportunities and navigate the path to achieving their academic and career goals.
Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.