| Job Category |  | Life, Physical, & Social Science |
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| Job Description | | Chemists analyze organic and inorganic compounds to determine chemical and physical properties, composition, structure, relationships, and reactions, using chromatography, spectroscopy, and spectrophotometry techniques. They induce changes in the composition of substances by introducing heat, light, energy, and chemical catalysts for quantitative and qualitative analysis. Chemists develop, improve, and customize products, equipment, formulas, processes, and analytical methods. They also compile and analyze test information to determine process or equipment operating efficiency and to diagnose malfunctions.
Chemists study effects of various methods of processing, preserving, and packaging on the composition and properties of foods; and prepare test solutions, compounds, and reagents for laboratory personnel to conduct tests. They confer with scientists and engineers to conduct analyses of research projects, interpret test results, or develop nonstandard tests. They prepare test solutions, compounds, and reagents for laboratory personnel to conduct test. Most chemists write technical papers and reports and prepare standards and specifications for processes, facilities, products, and tests; and direct, coordinate, and advise personnel in test procedures for analyzing components and physical properties of materials. |
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| Working Conditions | | Chemists usually work regular hours in offices and laboratories. Research chemists spend much time in laboratories, but also work in offices when they do theoretical research or plan, record, and report on their lab research. Although some laboratories are small, others are large enough to incorporate prototype chemical manufacturing facilities as well as advanced equipment. Chemists may do some of their work in a chemical plant or outdoors -- while gathering water samples to test for pollutants, for example. Some chemists are exposed to health or safety hazards when handling certain chemicals, but there's little risk if proper procedures are followed. Chemists' work is exacting and detail-oriented, and it often requires coordinating the work of others. |
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| Salary Range | | Median annual earnings of chemists in 2006 were $59,870. The middle 50 percent earned between $44,780 and $82,610. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $35,480, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $106,310. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of chemists in May 2006 were: $88,930 in Federal government ; $68,760 in scientific research and development services; and $57,210 in pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing industry.
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, beginning salary offers in July 2007 for graduates with bachelor’s degrees in chemistry averaged $41,506 a year.
In 2007, annual earnings of chemists in nonsupervisory, supervisory, and managerial positions in the Federal Government averaged $89,954. |
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