What Does a Chemist Do? Duties, Pay & Outlook

What does a chemist do?

Chemists study substances at the atomic and molecular levels, analyzing how they interact and using that knowledge to develop new products and test quality. The median pay is $91,240 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 4+ years, and employment is projected to grow +6.4% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

Median pay
$91,240
$43.87/hour · May 2025
Job growth
+6.4%
2025–35, faster than average
Openings per year
5,900
Average, 2025–35
Typical entry education
Bachelor's degree
BLS classification
Time to train
4+ years
Typical program length
U.S. jobs
84,900
Employment, 2025

What chemists do

Chemists turn molecules into products. Analytical chemists test materials for composition and quality; research chemists develop new drugs, materials, coatings and fuels; formulation chemists design products like cosmetics and cleaners; quality chemists make sure production meets standards. They design experiments, run instruments, interpret data and write reports.

Most chemists need a bachelor’s degree in chemistry; research roles often require a master’s or PhD. Employment is projected to grow faster than average.

Typical duties

Design and run experiments
Analyze substances with instruments
Develop new products and processes
Interpret data
Write reports and procedures
Ensure quality and compliance
Supervise technicians

Work environment and schedule

Chemists work in labs and offices in industry, government and universities.

Schedule: Most work full-time during regular hours.

A day in the life

8:00 AMReview overnight instrument runs.
9:00 AMDevelop an HPLC method for a new product.
11:00 AMMeet the formulation team.
12:30 PMInvestigate an out-of-spec result.

See a full day in the life of a chemist →

Chemist salary

Half of chemists earned more than $91,240 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $58,460 for the lowest 10% to $160,830 for the top 10%.

$58,46010th$91,240Median$160,83090th

Full chemist pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a chemist

Study chemistry
Earn a bachelor’s degree
Get industry experience
Consider graduate school
Advance

A bachelor’s degree in chemistry is typical; research roles often require a master’s or PhD.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a chemist →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

Analytical chemistry
Instrumentation
Method development
Data analysis
Synthesis

People skills

Critical thinking
Communication
Persistence
Teamwork

All chemist skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

Faster-than-average growth
Strong pay
Create real products
Many industries

Cons

Chemical hazards
Advanced degrees for research
Experiments often fail
Regulatory paperwork

Certifications and licenses

ACS-certified degree: Recognized chemistry degree.
Certified Chemist (NCRA): Professional certification.
GMP and GLP training: Regulated labs.
Lean Six Sigma: Process improvement.

Career path

Associate Chemist: Run tests.
Chemist: Develop methods.
Senior Chemist: Lead projects.
Lab Manager or Director: Lead teams.

Learn the job before day one

Our Chemist training (12 hours, $109.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as develop an analytical method and investigate an unexpected result, safety and how to land your first job.

View Chemist training Is this career right for me?

Chemical Technician

Run chemical tests and experiments that support research and production.

$60,390
2 years

Microbiologist

Study bacteria, viruses and microbes to protect health and make products.

$87,990
4+ years

Forensic Science Technician

Collect and analyze evidence that helps solve crimes.

$72,060
4 years + training

Chemical Plant Operator

Control the reactors and systems that produce chemicals and materials.

$78,120
6–18 months on the job

Compare: Chemist vs. Chemical Technician · Chemist vs. Microbiologist · Chemist vs. Forensic Technician · Chemist vs. Chemical Plant Operator

Chemist FAQ

Do chemists need a PhD?

Not always; many work with a bachelor’s, but research roles often need graduate degrees.

Is the field growing?

Yes, BLS projects faster-than-average growth.

Where do chemists work?

Manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, government and research labs.

How much does a chemist make?

The median annual wage for chemists was $91,240 ($43.87 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $58,460 and the highest 10% earned more than $160,830.

How long does it take to become a chemist?

Most people need about 4+ years of training. A bachelor’s degree in chemistry is typical; research roles often require a master’s or PhD.

Do you need a degree to be a chemist?

Usually, yes. BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education, although skills, certifications and experience can sometimes substitute.

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 19-2031 (Chemists).
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
O*NET OnLine summary for Chemists (U.S. Department of Labor).
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

Chemist