CHEMISTS

Nature of the Work

Chemists search for and put to practical use new knowledge about chemicals.  Although chemicals are often thought of as artificial or toxic substances, all physical things, whether naturally occurring or of human design, are composed of chemicals.  Chemists have developed a tremendous variety of new and improved synthetic fibers, paints, adhesives, drugs, electronic components, lubricants, and other products.  They also develop processes which save energy and reduce pollution, such as improved oil refining and petrochemical processing methods.  Research on the chemistry of living things spurs advances in medicine, agriculture, food processing, and other areas.

Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement

A bachelor's degree in chemistry or a related discipline is usually the minimum education necessary to work as a chemist.  However, most research and college teaching jobs require a Ph.D.  degree.

Although graduate students typically specialize in a subfield of chemistry, such as analytical chemistry or polymer chemistry, students usually need not specialize at the undergraduate level.  In fact, undergraduates who are broadly trained have more flexibility when job hunting or changing jobs than if they narrowly define their interests.  Some employers provide new bachelor's degree chemists with additional training or education.

Many people with a bachelor's degree in chemistry enter other occupations in which a chemistry background is helpful, such as technical writers or sales representatives in chemical marketing.  Some enter medical, dental, veterinary, or other health profession schools.  Others choose from a wide range of occupations with little or no connection to chemistry.

Job Outlook

Employment of chemists is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2005.  The chemical industry should face continued demand for goods such as new and better pharmaceuticals and personal care products, as well as more specialty chemicals designed to address specific problems or applications.  To meet these demands, research and development expenditures will continue to increase, contributing to employment growth for chemists.

Earnings

According to a 1992 survey by the American Chemical Society, the median starting salary for recently graduated chemists with a bachelor's degree was about $24,000 a year; with a master's degree, $32,000; with a Ph.D., $48,000.

The American Chemical Society also reports that the median salary of their members of all experience levels with a bachelor's degree was $42,000 a year in 1992; with a master's degree, $50,000; and with a Ph.D., $60,000.

In 1993, chemists in nonsupervisory, supervisory, and managerial positions in the Federal Government earned an average salary of $51,537.

Sources of Additional Information

General information on career opportunities and earnings for chemists is available from:

American Chemical Society, Career Services, 1155 16th St.  NW., Washington, DC 20036.

Information on Federal job opportunities is available from local offices of State employment services or offices of the U.S.  Office of Personnel Management, located in major metropolitan areas.


