Chemists

Chemists spend their time conducting qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses within laboratory settings. Their daily responsibilities revolve around getting information, analyzing data, and documenting or recording their findings. They solve complex problems and make decisions to help develop new products, improve process control, or expand scientific knowledge. To ensure safety and accuracy, these professionals must evaluate information to determine compliance with established standards and update their knowledge regularly.

This profession is highly investigative and suits individuals with strong intellectual curiosity, attention to detail, and cautiousness. Success in this field requires a solid foundation in chemistry, mathematics, physics, and computers. Chemists must apply skills in science, critical thinking, and active learning to interpret experimental results. They also rely on strong reading comprehension and speaking skills to process information and communicate their findings clearly to supervisors and peers.

Entering this career typically requires a bachelor's degree along with several years of related experience. Students preparing for this field often major in chemistry, materials sciences, pharmacy, or pharmaceutical sciences and administration.

While a degree provides the foundational preparation, professionals can also pursue specialized credentials. Available certifications include the Chemical Hygiene Officer and the Clinical Chemist credentials, both offered by the National Registry of Certified Chemists. Additionally, some states list a license for this work, so requirements can vary depending on the location of employment.

In 2025, the median annual pay for chemists was $91,240. Earnings can vary significantly based on experience and industry; the lowest 10 percent of workers earn less than $58,460, while the highest 10 percent earn more than $160,830.

With 82,770 people employed in this field, the profession is projected to grow by 6.4 percent from 2025 to 2035, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This growth and normal staff turnover are expected to result in approximately 5,900 job openings each year.