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Chemistry as a Career
Learn about a career in Chemistry.
What is Chemistry?
Chemistry is the study of the basic structure of matter, what substances are made of, their properties, how they act, and interact. Chemistry helps us learn about the material in the world around us, from the smallest particles to the largest objects in the universe.
What Does a Chemist Do?
Many of today's chemists are involved in research, development or production that help improve scientific knowledge. Others work to solve immediate practical problems.
There are various specializations of chemistry from which to choose. They include:
- Water-purification chemists analyze the filtered water in purification plants and test samples from various points along the distribution system to make sure it meets prescribed standards. They also determine and monitor the amounts of chemicals needed to purify and soften the water to make it drinkable.
- Wastewater-treatment plant chemists investigate the efficiency of wastewater treatment processes to ensure that water pollution control requirements are met. They test samples from streams, raw and treated wastewater, sludge, and other substances.
- Instrumentation chemists examine the wastewater discharged by industries that use municipal wastewater treatment plants to ensure that it meets pollution control standards.
- Chemical laboratory chiefs direct laboratory staff, and plan and carry out programs for research, product development, improvement of manufacturing processes, and analysis and testing of substances, compounds, liquids, and gases.br>
- Laboratory supervisors train, assign, and oversee workers who perform chemical and physical tests to ensure the quality of products. A supervisor may develop tests, solve testing problems, and compile test information related to the operation of equipment or processes.
- Food chemists develop and improve foods and beverages by analyzing methods of cooking, canning, freezing, and packaging, and study the appearance, taste, aroma, freshness, and vitamin content of food products. They also experiment with new foods, additives, and preservatives.
- Formulation chemists develop color formulas to match customer specifications for printing textile and plastic materials. They coordinate color shop activities with the production schedule of the printing department. Formulation chemists may also develop formulas for perfumes and other aromatic products. They test fragrances for odor, body, harmony, strength, and permanence by smelling samples in a air-filtered room.
- Assayers determine the value and properties of ores and minerals, separate impurities from metals, and conduct tests involving spectrographic analysis chemical solutions, using a variety of chemical and laboratory equipment.
- Organic chemists determine the structure, composition, and other physical and chemical properties of animal and vegetable matter. This work may lead to the development of new products such as deodorants, compact discs, gasoline, or plastics.
- Biochemist examine the chemical reactions of living organisms and the effect of chemicals in life processes.
- Analytical chemists analyze the chemical composition of substances and tests to determine quality, purity, and other characteristics.
Where Do Chemists Work?
There are about 185,000 chemists employed in the United States, and half of those work in research. About 10 percent of all chemists are in production, and the remainder are employed in education, marketing, sales, computer programming, law, or libraries. Others are employed in nontraditional fields, such as patent lawyers, science writers, editors, consultants, and art conservators.
The chemical industry employs 60 percent of all chemists, academic institution employ 24 percent, and government employs nine percent of all chemists.
Chemists with a master's degree qualify for applied research positions in colleges and universities. A doctorate gives a chemist the best chance for advancement in higher-level college and university teaching, and for top-level positions in other areas.
Education
A bachelor's degree in chemistry is the minimum requirement for a beginning chemist. Approximately 46 percent of all working chemists have bachelor degrees in chemistry. About 18 percent of chemists have master's degrees and 35 percent doctorates.
Students interested in this field should have an aptitude for math and natural sciences.
Employment and Salary Outlook
The employment outlook for this career field is average with the most growth occurring in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology.
According to the American Chemical Society's 1995 survey, the median salary for a bachelor-level chemist with less than a year of work experience is $25,000, and with three or more years of experience it is $32,850. For chemists with a master's degree the median salary was $36,000 to $42,000, and for chemists with a Ph.D. it was $50,000.
Sources
1996 American Chemical Society Employment Outlook, Education Division, 1155 16th Street N.W., Washington D.C. 20036, (202) 452-2113.
"Chemistry & Your Career: Questions & Answers," American Chemical Society, Education Division, 1155 16th Street N.W., Washington D.C. 20036, (202) 452-2113.
Hopke, William E., Encyclopedia of Careers & Vocational Guideance, Volume 2, Ninth edition, pgs. 285–288.
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