How to become a Chemist
Studies the chemical and physical properties of substances and identifies their practical uses. Develops and monitors chemical processes to create or improve products in pharmaceutical, manufacturing, agriculture and other industries.
Main tasks
- Designs and conducts experiments to identify chemical composition, energy and chemical changes in natural substances and processed materials
- Researches and analyses the chemical composition, properties and structure of matter to develop or improve existing theories, methods and processes
- Ensures laboratory experiments in chemistry follow protocols and regulations, and meet quality control standards
- Studies, analyses and tests chemistry research processes for application in product improvement or development
- May develop and improve products, chemical formulas, methods and processes for use at an industrial scale
- May study, analyse and model the operations of a chemical plant
Ways in
- University: Science degrees, Offered by 39 universities in Australia
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $114,088 a year
- About 10,200 people work in this job group now, and about 12,300 are projected by 2035. (+19.6%)
- AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Chemist?
Ways in include: Science degrees.
How much does a Chemist earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $114,088 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is a Chemist a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 20% by 2035, from about 10,200 to about 12,300 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become a Chemist?
Usually. 86% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Will AI change the work of a Chemist?
AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04