Q: Is it hard to become a chemist?

Yes, it's hard to become a chemist. Because of the nature of the work, you need postsecondary education and relevant experience, which takes a lot of time and money. At the minimum, chemists need at least a bachelor's degree in chemistry or a related physical science field like biochemistry or biology.

Q: Are chemists in demand?

Yes, chemists are in demand. According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), chemists are projected to have a 7% employment growth, about as fast as the average for all occupations at 8%.

Question 1

Chemist vs. Chemical Engineer

Accepted Answer

A chemist creates and develops new and original materials and devises related processes, while a chemical engineer uses these materials and processes.

A chemist investigates the background of science and focuses on developing materials and processes, analyzing substances, and measuring the physical properties of substances. They also tend to theories and focus on finding new concepts and ideas through this testing.

Question 2

How many years does it take to become a chemist?

Accepted Answer

It takes about four to nine years to become a chemist due to necessary postsecondary education. At the minimum, chemists need at least a bachelor's degree in chemistry or a related physical science field like biochemistry or biology.

Question 3

Is it hard to become a chemist?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it's hard to become a chemist. Because of the nature of the work, you need postsecondary education and relevant experience, which takes a lot of time and money. At the minimum, chemists need at least a bachelor's degree in chemistry or a related physical science field like biochemistry or biology.

Question 4

What are the pros and cons of being a chemist?

Accepted Answer

The pros and cons of being a chemist relate to innovation, the opportunity to specialize, and exposure to hazardous chemicals. Here are the top pros and cons of being a chemist:

Innovation

Question 5

What qualifications do you need to be a chemist?

Accepted Answer

The qualifications you need to be a chemist are a bachelor's degree in chemistry and relevant work experience.

At the minimum, chemists need at least a bachelor's degree in chemistry or a related physical science field like biochemistry or biology. That is usually enough for entry-level positions. However, it's common to need a master's degree or Ph.D. for research positions where they typically lead teams.

Question 6

Where do chemists work?

Accepted Answer

Chemists work in chemical manufacturing plants, scientific research and development departments, and agricultural and engineering service companies. Federal, state, and local government agencies also employ many chemists.

Question 7

Where would a chemist work?

Accepted Answer

A chemist typically works in laboratories and offices but, depending on the industry, may also work in facilities or outdoors.

Some chemists work in industrial manufacturing facilities and usually are responsible for monitoring the environmental conditions at the plant.

Question 8

How much does a Ph.D. in chemistry make?

Accepted Answer

A Ph.D. in chemistry can make an upward of $60,000, depending on the industry, type of position, and experience.

According to the American Chemical Society (ACS), chemists typically need a Ph.D. to teach at a university or work as independent researchers. The salary range varies depending on where you work and your years of experience.

Question 9

What is the highest-paid chemist?

Accepted Answer

The highest-paid chemists typically work for the federal government.

The median annual wage for chemists working within the federal government was $116,990 in 2020. The chemists typically work with these agencies:

Question 10

Are chemists in demand?

Accepted Answer

Yes, chemists are in demand. According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), chemists are projected to have a 7% employment growth, about as fast as the average for all occupations at 8%.

Question 11

Do chemists get paid well?

Accepted Answer

Yes, chemists get paid well. According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for chemists was $79,300 in 2020. On the lower end, some may earn only around $44,970, usually with entry-level positions.

Question 12

What does a chemist study?

Accepted Answer

A chemist studies chemistry, which is the branch of science concerned with the properties and behavior of matter.

Your typical chemist studies substances at the atomic and molecular levels and analyzes the ways in which the substances interact with one another. It can be more specialized from that point.

Question 13

How do I write a chemistry CV?

Accepted Answer

To write a chemistry CV, you should focus on highlighting your skills and experience both in and out of the lab. Additionally, it will be important to note the courses you completed in university, your research experience, as well as your specialty in chemistry.

Question 14

What is a chemist's job description?

Accepted Answer

A chemist's job description describes the position that the chemist will fill. This includes a list of job duties and responsibilities as well as what requirements are needed to fill that position.

Question 15

What should a chemist put on a resume?

Accepted Answer

A chemist should put information that highlights their skills and experience both in and out of the lab on their resume. Additionally, it will be important to note the courses they completed in university, their research experience, as well as their specialty in chemistry.

Question 16

What skills do you need to become a chemist?

Accepted Answer

The skills you will need to become a chemist are analytical skills as well as technical skills involving research and chemistry. The skills needed to become a chemist are often gained through both education and work experience.

Question 17

What degree do you need to be a chemist?

Accepted Answer

You need a bachelor's degree in chemistry or a related physical science field to be a chemist. Research jobs may require a master's degree or Ph.D. and may also require significant levels of work experience.

Question 18

What does a chemist do on a daily basis?

Accepted Answer

Chemists perform experiments, analyze data, and communicate findings on a daily basis.

Here are some details on the daily activities of a chemist:

Perform experiments. Chemists normally work most days in a laboratory setting, conducting experiments that involve analyzing and testing chemical reactions and biological molecules. In this setting they use many different tools to assist their research and experiments, including centrifuges, microscopes, spectrometers, and more.

Frequently asked questions about chemists

Questions About Becoming a Chemist