Chemists
Chemists conduct chemical analyses and experiments in laboratory settings to support quality control, manufacturing processes, or research and development. They work in industries including pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, government agencies, and research institutions, performing both qualitative and quantitative tests on materials and compounds.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against chemists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A chemist might spend time preparing samples, operating laboratory instruments to measure chemical composition, recording data from experiments, and documenting results. Work includes troubleshooting equipment, reviewing quality standards, collaborating with team members on ongoing projects, and writing technical reports. Some days involve designing new experiments or testing modifications to existing processes.
Who this work suits
Holland code IRC. Investigative work is figuring things out: analysis, research, problem-solving. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to enjoy solving problems through investigation and hands-on experimentation. You prefer concrete, observable results and working with physical materials and equipment rather than abstract concepts, and you're methodical about following procedures and maintaining accurate records.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Chemist · National Institutes of Health · Montgomery County, Maryland · $102415–$133142
- Chemist · Food and Drug Administration · Silver Spring, Maryland · $90925–$118204
- RESEARCH INDUSTRIAL HYGIENIST / CHEMIST / TOXICOLOGIST · Naval Medical Command · Groton Submarine Base, Connecticut · $100992–$156124
- Interdisciplinary Civil Environmental Ecologist Chemist Geologist Physical Scientist · United States Army Installation Management Command · Wheeler Army Airfield, Hawaii · $93445–$124031
- Supervisory Chemist · National Institutes of Health · Montgomery County, Maryland · $169279–$197200
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $128,610 | $149,860 | $172,560 | 280 |
| Maryland | $103,840 | $140,670 | $171,310 | 2,480 |
| Delaware | $100,800 | $129,860 | $139,820 | 1,200 |
| New Mexico | $73,070 | $126,960 | $178,480 | 280 |
| Massachusetts | $85,830 | $125,000 | $164,760 | 3,430 |
| Alaska | $76,430 | $106,010 | $119,820 | 60 |
| Oregon | $82,000 | $104,590 | $141,720 | 730 |
| Louisiana | $77,160 | $103,890 | $131,950 | 740 |
| Wyoming | $76,680 | $102,000 | $127,120 | 80 |
| Colorado | $77,910 | $101,980 | $132,560 | 1,790 |
| Rhode Island | $85,610 | $101,660 | $124,750 | 150 |
| New Hampshire | $74,550 | $100,050 | $127,160 | 300 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Clinical Chemist — National Registry of Certified Chemists
- Toxicological Chemist (TC) — National Registry of Certified Chemists
- Approved Chemist — American Oil Chemists Society
- Certified Professional Chemist (CPC) — National Certification Commission in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against chemists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 19-2031.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.