Chemists

Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge.

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, Agricultural Chemist, Analytical Scientist, Assay Development Scientist, Astrochemist, Bench Chemist, Bench Scientist, Ceramic Chemist, Cereal Chemist, Chemical Analyst, Chemistry Scientist, Coal Chemist, Control Chemist, Cosmetic Chemist, Dairy Chemist, Electrochemist, Environmental Field Chemist, Field Chemist, Food Chemist, Food Processing Chemist, Formulary Chemist, Formulation Chemist, Formulation Scientist, Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry Analyst (GCMS Analyst), Industrial Chemist, Inorganic Chemist, Lab Chemist (Laboratory Chemist), Lab Pack Chemist (Laboratory Pack Chemist), Medical Chemist, Metal Analyst, Mix Chemist, Nuclear Chemist, Nutritional Chemist, Oil Expert, Organic Chemist, Patent Chemist, Pesticide Chemist, Pharmaceutical Analyst, Pharmaceutical Chemist, Pharmaceutical Scientist, Physical Chemist, Physiological Chemist, Process Chemist, Process Development Scientist, Production Chemist, QC Scientist (Quality Control Scientist), Research Scientist, Rubber Chemist, Sanitary Chemist, Soil Chemist, Textile Chemist, Water Chemist, Wet Chemistry Analyst

This is a career information profile, not an advertised job opening.

What the worker does

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.
Confer with scientists or engineers to conduct analyses of research projects, interpret test results, or develop nonstandard tests.
Evaluate laboratory safety procedures to ensure compliance with standards or to make improvements as needed.

Skills, machines and equipment

Science
Reading Comprehension
Critical Thinking
Speaking
Active Listening
Writing
Mathematics
Active Learning
Complex Problem Solving
Monitoring
Quality Control Analysis
Judgment and Decision Making

Education and training

Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: Bachelor's Degree (55.91% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

O*NET Job Zone 4: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training. A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships

Ask an employer or registered apprenticeship sponsor about current programs, eligibility, training and pay. A career profile does not confirm that a program is available.

Salary reference

69,460–125,550 USD per year · United States · 2025. Source: BLS OEWS via O*NET · 25th–75th percentiles · SOC 19-2031.

Occupational-group wage references are not guaranteed pay for this specialty or an employer's offer.

Career advancement

Develop reliable production, safety, quality, and equipment skills; explore additional processes, senior specialist, or team-lead responsibilities relevant to your workplace.
Ask employers which demonstrated skills, education, or credentials are needed for the next role. Related careers are exploration options, not automatic promotions.

How Do I Get This Job?

Review the skills and responsibilities above.
Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: Bachelor's Degree (55.91% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
O*NET Job Zone 4: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training. A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.
Compare real openings and confirm requirements directly with the employer.

View available jobs — availability is not guaranteed; sample listings are not real openings.

Related career information

Sources and limitations

O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. ShopFloor adapted occupational grouping, selected manufacturing-relevant occupations, and retained seven legacy guide titles. Specialties and alternative titles are grouped under O*NET occupations; these occupations can also occur outside manufacturing. Source: https://www.onetcenter.org/database.html. No wage, vacancy, certification, or video data is implied. ShopFloor advancement suggestions are general editorial guidance, not O*NET findings or guaranteed career progression. BLS wage ranges, when available, are national 25th–75th percentiles for the source occupational grouping, across industries; they are not local, apprentice, entry-level, or specialty-specific offers.

Chemists