Chemist (General)
Quick Facts
Median Salary$108,309
Most Common EducationBachelor's degree
Projected 10-Year Growth-1.25%
Assessment MatchTake the Assessment
What They Do
A Chemist studies the chemical and physical properties of substances or materials, focusing in one of many specialized areas. May work to develop new products or chemical processes.
Core Tasks:
- 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.
- Maintain laboratory instruments to ensure proper working order and troubleshoot malfunctions when needed.
- Conduct quality control tests.
- Write technical papers or reports or prepare standards and specifications for processes, facilities, products, or tests.
- 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.
- Direct, coordinate, or advise personnel in test procedures for analyzing components or physical properties of materials.
- Purchase laboratory supplies, such as chemicals, when supplies are low or near their expiration date.
What to expect as a Chemist (General)
1Earn a Bachelor's degree
54% of people achieve this level of education.
2Gain skills and experience
See Chemist (General) related courses on Tallo
3Land a job
471 openings for Chemists (General)
Career Progression
in United States (Nation)
The career progression is an interactive way to explore careers related to Chemist (General). Click on each career to see its associated salary, job availability, skills, and more.