Chemists
Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge.Salary by State
| State Name | Employment | Annual Salary | Hourly Salary | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 730 | $82,660 | $39.74 | |
| Alaska | 50 | $99,730 | $47.95 | |
| Arizona | 570 | $83,410 | $40.10 | |
| Arkansas | 370 | $76,740 | $36.90 | |
| California | 9,270 | $85,930 | $41.31 | |
| Colorado | $93,060 | $44.74 | ||
| Connecticut | 1,250 | $98,000 | $47.11 | |
| Delaware | 1,300 | $114,540 | $55.07 | |
| District of Columbia | 270 | $128,460 | $61.76 | |
| Florida | 1,980 | $68,840 | $33.10 | |
| Georgia | 1,240 | $96,790 | $46.53 | |
| Hawaii | 120 | $79,890 | $38.41 | |
| Idaho | 300 | $71,810 | $34.52 | |
| Illinois | 3,140 | $78,970 | $37.96 | |
| Indiana | 1,710 | $72,160 | $34.69 | |
| Iowa | 510 | $81,840 | $39.35 | |
| Kansas | 1,080 | $74,370 | $35.76 | |
| Kentucky | 630 | $76,870 | $36.96 | |
| Louisiana | 500 | $82,350 | $39.59 | |
| Maine | 410 | $72,350 | $34.79 | |
| Maryland | 2,980 | $120,190 | $57.78 | |
| Massachusetts | 4,590 | $107,510 | $51.69 | |
| Michigan | 3,890 | $96,870 | $46.57 | |
| Minnesota | 1,490 | $89,900 | $43.22 | |
| Mississippi | 220 | $77,680 | $37.35 | |
| Missouri | 1,700 | $86,850 | $41.75 | |
| Montana | 190 | $83,510 | $40.15 | |
| Nebraska | 290 | $76,890 | $36.96 | |
| Nevada | 170 | $79,080 | $38.02 | |
| New Hampshire | 230 | $89,280 | $42.93 | |
| New Jersey | 7,210 | $100,050 | $48.10 | |
| New Mexico | 240 | $89,770 | $43.16 | |
| New York | 3,530 | $91,550 | $44.02 | |
| North Carolina | 4,370 | $77,670 | $37.34 | |
| North Dakota | 140 | $86,440 | $41.56 | |
| Ohio | 3,110 | $78,590 | $37.78 | |
| Oklahoma | 490 | $84,070 | $40.42 | |
| Oregon | 710 | $72,020 | $34.62 | |
| Pennsylvania | 5,470 | $87,710 | $42.17 | |
| Rhode Island | 170 | $93,780 | $45.09 | |
| South Carolina | 1,500 | $68,970 | $33.16 | |
| South Dakota | 110 | $60,210 | $28.95 | |
| Tennessee | 1,240 | $79,000 | $37.98 | |
| Texas | 3,270 | $88,070 | $42.34 | |
| Utah | 620 | $73,110 | $35.15 | |
| Vermont | 90 | $75,180 | $36.15 | |
| Virginia | 1,460 | $98,580 | $47.40 | |
| Washington | 1,570 | $92,770 | $44.60 | |
| West Virginia | 320 | $77,010 | $37.02 | |
| Wisconsin | 1,460 | $77,390 | $37.21 | |
| Wyoming | 110 | $72,430 | $34.82 |
Education
The programs listed below are typically the education paths that can land you this kind of job.
A general program that focuses on the scientific study of the composition and behavior of matter, including its micro- and macro-structure, the processes of chemical change, and the theoretical description and laboratory simulation of these phenomena.
A program that focuses on the scientific study of techniques for analyzing and describing matter, including its precise composition and the interrelationships of constituent elements and compounds. Includes instruction in spectroscopy, chromatography, atomic absorption, photometry, chemical modeling, mathematical analysis, laboratory analysis procedures and equipment maintenance, and applications to specific research, industrial and health problems.
A program that focuses on the scientific study of the elements and their compounds, other than the hydrocarbons and their derivatives. Includes instruction in the characterization and synthesis of non-carbon molecules, including their structure and their bonding, conductivity, and reactive properties; research techniques such as spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and photoelectron analysis; and the study of specific compounds, such as transition metals, and compounds composed of inorganic and organic molecules.
A program that focuses on the scientific study of the properties and behavior of hydrocarbon compounds and their derivatives. Includes instruction in molecular conversion and synthesis, molecular synthesis and design, the molecular structure of living cells and systems, the mutual reactivity of organic and inorganic compounds in combination, the spectroscopic analysis of hydrocarbon compounds, and applications to specific problems in research, industry, and health.
A program that focuses on the scientific study of understanding and predicting the behavior of chemical systems ranging from nuclear particles to atoms, molecules, clusters, biological materials and macroscopic assemblies. Includes instruction in quantum mechanics, spectroscopy, thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, reaction dynamics, group theory, collision theory, and polymer science.
A program that focuses on the scientific study of synthesized macromolecules and their interactions with other substances. Includes instruction in molecular bonding theory, polymerization, properties and behavior of unstable compounds, the development of tailored polymers, transition phenomena, and applications to specific industrial problems and technologies.
A program that focuses on the scientific study of structural phenomena combining the disciplines of physical chemistry and atomic/molecular physics. Includes instruction in heterogeneous structures, alignment and surface phenomena, quantum theory, mathematical physics, statistical and classical mechanics, chemical kinetics, and laser physics.
A program that focuses on the scientific study of natural systems (air, water, and soil) through the use of chemical techniques and instrumentation, with an emphasis on the movement and fate of pollutants and chemical aspects of contaminant remediation. Includes instruction in analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry; aquatic, soil, and atmospheric chemistry; environmental engineering; environmental toxicology; and analytical methods.
A program that focuses on the application of chemical techniques and instrumentation to the analysis and evaluation of physical evidence to aid in criminal investigations. Includes instruction in analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry; biochemistry; forensic toxicology; instrumental analysis; crime scene processing; criminal investigation; forensic laboratory technology; and applicable law.
A program that focuses on the study of mathematical and computational methods and fundamental laws of physics to describe chemical phenomena and to develop empirical models of molecules and their interactions. Includes instruction in properties of small, isolated molecules; dynamics of elementary chemical processes; reaction pathways of organic molecules; hydrogen bonding patterns in liquids; reaction rates of biological pathways; and advanced computational techniques.
A program that focuses on applying computer science approaches in the representation, analysis, design, and modeling of chemical structures and associated metadata, such as biological activity endpoints and physicochemical properties. Includes instruction in chemical information technology, computational chemistry, computer science, database design, molecular modeling, scientific computing, and statistics.
Any instructional program in chemistry not listed above.
A program that focuses on the synthesis and study of organic or inorganic materials and their electronic, magnetic, optical or mechanical properties. Includes instruction in advanced materials for photonics, lasers, chemical sensors and arrays or nanochemistry; semiconductor nanowires; and molecular electronics.
A program that focuses on the application of chemistry to the study of biologically and clinically active substances, biological and pharmacological interactions, and the development of associated research methods, techniques, and clinical trial procedures. Includes instruction in organic chemistry, biochemistry, molecular graphics, rational drug design, toxicology, molecular biology, pharmacology, enzyme mechanisms, receptor theory, neurochemistry, drug metabolism, drug synthesis, biological mechanisms of drug action, research tools and techniques, and laboratory safety.
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$89,130 per yearNational average salaryModerateJob growth rate
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Bachelor's degreeTypical education requirement
Educational Attainment
The following chart shows the highest education level completed by those working as chemists.
- Less than high school 0%
- High school graduate 1%
- College dropout 2%
- Associate’s degree 2%
- Bachelor’s degree 51%
- Master’s degree 23%
- Doctorate degree 20%
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