Overview
Responsibilities
T-A-S-K
Education
Income & Employability
Video Resources
Related Careers

Description

Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge.

Interests

  • Investigative
  • Realistic
  • Conventional

Learn More about Interests

Work Values

  • Achievement
  • Independence
  • Working Conditions

Learn More about Work Values

Work Styles

  • Analytical Thinking
  • Attention to Detail
  • Independence
  • Integrity
  • Dependability

Learn More about Work Styles

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.
  • Conduct quality control tests.
  • Write technical papers or reports or prepare standards and specifications for processes, facilities, products, or tests.

Work Activities

  • Documenting/Recording Information
  • Analyzing Data or Information
  • Getting Information
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Detailed Work Activities

  • Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
  • Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
  • Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
  • Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Technology Skills

  • Data base user interface and query software
  • Presentation software
  • Analytical or scientific software
  • Graphics or photo imaging software
  • Development environment software

Skills

  • Science
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Speaking
  • Active Listening

Knowledge

  • Chemistry
  • English Language
  • Mathematics
  • Production and Processing
  • Administration and Management

Most Common Education Level

The “Most Common Education Level” refers to the level of education held by the majority of workers in a given occupation. For example, if the highest percentage of workers in a role have an Associate’s Degree, that suggests this is the typical educational requirement. Knowing this helps you plan how many years of education you may need to pursue that career.

Certificates

Certifying Organization

National Certification Commission in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering

Type

Advanced

Certificate name

Toxicological Chemist

Certifying Organization

National Registry of Certified Chemists

Type

Advanced

Certificate name

Approved Chemist

Certifying Organization

American Oil Chemists Society

Type

Advanced

Certificate name

Chemical Hygiene Officer

Certifying Organization

National Registry of Certified Chemists

Type

Core

Certificate name

Clinical Chemist

Certifying Organization

National Registry of Certified Chemists

Type

Core

Income Percentile

The income percentiles show how earnings are distributed within a profession. The 10th percentile means that 10% of workers earned less than that amount. The median (50th percentile) indicates that half of workers earned more, and half earned less. The 90th percentile reflects what the top 10% of earners in the field make.

Income PercentileIncome
Low (10%)$NaN
Median (50%)$NaN
High (90%)$NaN

Income by Experience

This table shows how income typically grows with experience—from entry level (0–2 years), to mid-level (3–7 years), to senior level (8+ years).

ExperienceIncome
Entry Level$50,000
Mid Level$100,000
Senior Level$150,000

Employability

There are currently 87,200 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to increase to 93,800 positions, reflecting a projected growth of 8%.

The Projected Job Growth figure refers to the expected increase or decrease in employment within a specific career field over a certain period of time.

Projected Job Growth of 8%

The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), with ONET® being a registered trademark of USDOL/ETA. Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA; CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (DOLETA) and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED); and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

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