Chemists perform laboratory research to gain new knowledge about the substances that make up our world. Knowledge gained in basic research is then put to practical use and applied to the development of new products. For ex-ample, basic research on the uniting of small molecules to form larger ones (polymerization) led to the development of products made from synthetic rubber and plastic.
Many chemists work in industrial production and inspection, where they must coordinate their efforts with a manufacturing operation. They give directions for the carrying out of a manufacturing process and then take periodic samples to check that process. Others work as marketing sales representatives because of the technical knowledge needed to market certain products. Chemists also work as college teachers and researchers and as consultants.
Chemists often specialize in one of the subfields of chemistry. Analytical chemists study the structure, composition, and natures of substances. Organic chemists study all elements made from carbon compounds, which include vast areas of modern industry. The development of plastics and many other synthetics is a result of the work of organic chemists. Inorganic chemists study compounds other than carbon and are involved in the development of such things as solid-state electronic components. Physical chemists study energy transformation and are engaged in finding new and better energy sources.
More than half of all chemists work in the chemical, food, petroleum, paper, electrical, and scientific instrument industries. About 19,000 work in colleges and universities. Chemists also work for government agencies, primarily in health and agriculture.
Related jobs are chemical engineer, agricultural scientist, and biological scientist.
Places of employment and working conditions
Although chemists work in all parts of the country, the largest concentrations are in New York, New Jersey, California, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Illinois. Chemists usually work in modern facilities in laboratories, classrooms, and offices. In certain industries, hazards are present in the handling of explosive or otherwise dangerous materials, but safety regulations in these industries are very strict.
Qualifications, education, and training
The student who plans a career as a chemist should enjoy performing experiments and building things and should have a genuine liking for math and science. A wide range of abilities is necessary, including perseverance, concentration on detail, good eye-hand coordination, and the ability to work independently.
High school students looking forward to a career in chemistry should take as many maths and science courses as possible and develop good laboratory skills. Foreign language courses can also prove valuable.
Many colleges and universities offer a bachelor's degree in chemistry. Courses include analytical, organic and inorganic, and physical chemistry, as well as mathematics and physics.
A master's degree in chemistry, usually requiring extensive, independent research, is offered by several hundred colleges and universities. Independent research is required for master's and Ph.D. degrees.
Potential and advancement
About 80,000 people are presently employed as chemists. The outlook for employment is good primarily because of the development of new products by private industry. In addition, problems of pollution, energy, and health care must be addressed by chemists in both government agencies and private industry. Employment of chemists in crime detection work is also expected to increase on local, state, and federal levels.
Little growth is expected in college and university positions, and competition for existing teaching jobs is expected to be very strong. Candidates for advanced degrees may secure teaching or research positions while completing their studies, but these positions are usually at the assistant or instructor level.
In all areas, advanced degrees will continue to be the key to administrative and managerial positions. College professors, chemists doing basic research, and those employed in the top administrative positions in both industry and teaching will need a Ph.D. degree to achieve these levels.
Income
Salaries for chemists vary according to experience, education, and place of employment. Entry-level starting salaries in private industry average $26,000 with a bachelor's degree, $31,600 with a master's degree, and $41,300 with a Ph.D.
Experienced chemists with comparable degrees average $35,400, $41,000, and $50,000, respectively.
Federal government starting salaries range from about $15,700 with a bachelor's degree to about $34,600 with a Ph.D.
Additional sources of information
American Chemical Society Career Services, Washington, DC 20036
Chemical Manufacturers Association, Washington, DC 20037
