A large part of the chemist’s job is to search for new facts about chemicals. They observe and report on what happens to chemical substances under certain circumstances, such as when they are mixed with others or exposed to various climatic conditions. The Chemist then analyzes what they see as a result of their actions. Chemists make great use of computer technology to aid them both in conducting their experiments and to collect and analyze data. Using the results of their experiments and research, they are able to create new products or improve upon those that already exist, putting them to new uses. Chemists usually specialize in one of the many different types of chemistry.
Chemists normally work regular hours in a laboratory setting, although the actual nature of their work environment can differ greatly. Large pharmaceutical companies provide their chemists with well stocked labs housed on their manufacturing premises. The Research chemists spend more time in the lab, and may also be based within a University setting, as many scientists depend upon grants to fund their research, and often teach science at colleges and universities as part of the terms of their grant award. A Chemist may also conduct some of their research in an outdoor environment if they are involved in something like pollution research.
Those who wish to pursue chemistry jobs must complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry or Material Science at the very least. Most successful chemists, especially those who hold jobs with pharmaceutical companies continue their education through the doctorate level. It is possible to find employment as a chemist with the minimum required education and continue to pursue higher qualifications while actively working within the profession. However, the competition for jobs is fairly keen, so the more education a candidate has completed the more appealing they will appear to employers seeking to fill vacancies for their chemist jobs.
Salaries for the chemist depend a great deal upon the level of schooling an employee has achieved. According to statistics from the National Association of Colleges and Employers, beginning salary for a general chemist in July 2007 for graduates with bachelor’s degrees in chemistry averaged $41,506 a year. In 2006, the middle half of all chemists earned between $44,780 and $82,610 a year. The lowest-paid 10 percent earned less than $35,480 a year. The highest-paid 10 percent earned over $106,310 a year. The salary will also vary based upon the sector of the industry in which the chemist is employed. Large drug and manufacturing companies normally offer higher wages than a small college or research laboratory.
Opportunities for chemists are projected to remain stable even in a difficult economic climate. It is likely however that those candidates with a Doctoral degree will continue to be considered ahead of those with less formal education. Those serious about pursuing a career as a Chemist will be best served by completing all the schooling they can.
