How to become a Chemist
Official title: Chemists
Also called: Air Quality Chemist, Analytical Chemist, Chemical Lab Scientist (Chemical Laboratory Scientist), Chemist, Forensic Chemist, Product Development Chemist, QC Chemist (Quality Control Chemist), R and D Chemist (Research and Development Chemist), Research Chemist, Scientist
Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge.
Main tasks
- 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.
- Compile and analyze test information to determine process or equipment operating efficiency or to diagnose malfunctions.
How to become one
To enter the occupation, chemists and materials scientists typically need at least a bachelor's degree in chemistry or a related field. However, they may need a master's degree or Ph.D. for some jobs, such as research positions.
Typical education to start: Bachelor's degree
Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Ways in
- College: Science degrees, Offered by 36 universities in the US
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Median pay: $91,240 a year The middle half earn $69,460 to $125,550.
- About 84,900 people work in this job now, and about 90,300 are projected by 2035. (+6.4%)
- People already use generative AI for some of this work. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as medium.
Related jobs
- Materials Scientists
- Astronomers
- Physicists
- Atmospheric and Space Scientists
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
- Climate Change Policy Analysts
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Chemist?
To enter the occupation, chemists and materials scientists typically need at least a bachelor's degree in chemistry or a related field. However, they may need a master's degree or Ph.D. for some jobs, such as research positions.
How much does a Chemist earn in the US?
Median full-time pay is $91,240 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $69,460 to $125,550.
Is a Chemist a growing career in the US?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 6% by 2035, from about 84,900 to about 90,300 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Do you need a degree to become a Chemist?
Usually. 92% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Will AI change the work of a Chemist?
People already use generative AI for some of this work. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as medium.
Sources
- Microsoft Research: Working with AI: AI applicability by occupation (2025-12-22 (built on O*NET 29.0)), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03
This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.