Chemistry Careers: 2025 Guide to Career Paths, Options & Salary

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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The field of chemistry involves examining the structure, chemical makeup, and properties of elements and compounds. Researchers in this field work to understand existing substances and create new ones, as well as uncover innovative chemical processes that have practical applications. With 96% of most manufactured goods directly involving chemical processes and other relevant operations, careers related to the study of chemistry are some of the most rewarding ones.

Through didactic and laboratory courses in natural science and mathematics, a chemistry degree educates students on the profession’s theoretical and practical parts. Chemistry provides possibilities to study and work in a range of intriguing disciplines through its branches of study, such as chemical engineering and environmental science, which can later on launch to environmental careers.

Gaining access to a job in the industry can be achieved by obtaining an associate degree in chemistry. This degree provides a basic education on the topic, as well as related subjects like physics, biology, and more. For more comprehensive training, a bachelor’s degree in chemistry is a more suitable academic path. This guide on chemistry careers will take you through the possible jobs for chemistry majors you can pursue after graduating.

 Table of Contents

1. Why pursue a career in Chemistry?
2. Chemistry Career Outlook
3. Required Skills for Chemistry
4. How to Start Your Career in Chemistry
5. How can I advance my career in Chemistry?
6. How does chemistry contribute to sustainability and environmental protection?
7. How do you choose the right chemistry degree program?
8. Can complementary certifications boost a chemist’s career growth?
9. Is advanced online education a valuable investment for chemists?
10. Can non-chemistry certifications broaden your career prospects?
11. How can chemistry drive innovation in healthcare?
12. What Advanced Educational Pathways Can Further Boost a Chemist's Career?
13. Alternative Career Options for Chemistry
14. How can you balance continuing chemistry education with family responsibilities?

Why pursue a career in Chemistry?

Chemists study the characteristics of materials at the atomic and molecular levels. They measure proportions and reaction rates to better understand novel substances and how they behave or to build new compounds for use in a wide range of practical applications. They use a variety of analytical techniques and apparatus to accomplish these.

The industry attracts people who are passionate about science. Chemists are primarily investigative individuals, which implies that they are naturally inquisitive and curious people who enjoy spending time alone with their ideas on a regular basis. They also have a tendency to be realistic, which means that they frequently enjoy working outside or putting their hands to work on projects.

Between 2019 and 2029, the job outlook for chemists is expected to increase by about 5%, which is faster compared to other fields (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021). Due to research on the human genome, which has led to the development of new medications, biotechnology organizations are driving some of the demand for chemists and chemical engineers. Chemists can also find employment in environmental research as a result of attempts to comply with government rules and clean up waste sites. Outsourcing to R&D corporations is likely to cause a decline in the manufacturing sector, but it also creates growth opportunities within those organizations.

Interestingly, choosing chemistry as a viable career has decreased between high school and college, according to the study “Trends and perceptions of choosing chemistry as a major and a career," which was published in the Chemistry Education Research and Practice journal. Based on the study, “task-oriented self-efficacy was the factor which contributed the most to chemistry career choice…"

“Women tend to choose chemistry more than men at high school and university levels, and minorities tend to choose it more in high school but less in higher education compared to non-minorities," the research added (Avargil et al., 2020).

Chemistry Career Outlook

Chemical and materials scientists will have an increase in employment of 5% from 2019 to 2029, which is faster than the average growth rate for all occupations during this period. Individuals with advanced degrees, notably doctorates in chemistry or materials science, are projected to have the best opportunities in their fields.

On average, chemists earned about $80,680 per year in 2020. Similarly, those working as materials scientists earn an average of $99.460 in the same year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020). As the career development plan in chemistry progresses, those in the field can expect higher salaries. Additionally, chemists have numerous opportunities to take on various roles such as:

Required Skills for Chemists

A chemist is someone who seeks out a new understanding of chemistry and applies it to better our way of life. He or she may be involved in the development of items, such as synthetic fibers, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Oil refining and petrochemical processing are only a couple of the technologies that chemists are developing to reduce energy consumption and pollution. As such, they should possess the following technical and soft skills:

Essential Skills for Chemists

• Chemistry. The scientific understanding of the makeup, structure, and properties of substances, as well as of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. It covers many uses of chemicals, the risks associated with them, methods of manufacture, and disposal options.
• Mathematics. Advanced understanding of aspects of mathematics such as algebra, arithmetic, calculus, geometry, statistics, and their applications.
• Production and processing. Knowledge of production processes, quality control, costs, raw materials, and other techniques in production and processing.
• Physics. Familiarity with concepts in physics, theories, laws, and their applications, especially in chemistry.
• Biology. Knowledge of the physical and chemical makeup of organisms from the molecular level to the environment.

General Skills

• Critical thinking. Using logic and reasoning, you can determine the advantages and disadvantages of various solutions, conclusions, or methods to issue resolution.
• Communication. Chemists often collaborate with colleagues, team leaders, and other stakeholders. As such, expressing complex ideas in an understandable manner is necessary.
• Writing. Among the core parts of a chemist’s professional life is writing research methodologies, reports, findings, and other documents.
• Active learning. Chemistry is one of the most dynamic fields of science, so professionals in the field should actively learn new concepts, methods, and technology.
• Systems thinking. A big part of work in chemistry is processes and workflows, which means chemists should be able to follow, evaluate, and analyze them accordingly.

Furthermore, researchers are continuously evaluating and improving the way chemistry is taught in higher education. For example, the study “Teaching through Research: Alignment of Core Chemistry Competencies and Skills within a Multidisciplinary Research Framework" published in the Journal of Chemical Education highlights the benefits of adopting open-ended experiments in instructing college freshmen as it “allows full integration of training that is mandatory and accredited general chemistry skill sets with open-ended research experiences with unexpected outcomes in undergraduate science curricula."

“This model enables undergraduates to be productive contributors to new knowledge and scientific discovery at the earliest levels of the undergraduate experience," the researchers reported (Ghanem et al., 2017).

How to Start Your Career in Chemistry

A bachelor’s degree is often the minimum educational qualification for an entry-level job as a chemist. However, if you choose to work as a researcher, you will almost certainly require a Ph.D., although a master’s degree may suffice in some cases.

You can pursue a chemist career by majoring in chemistry or a closely related field such as physical science, biological science, or engineering. Inorganic and organic chemistry, biology, physics, mathematics, and computer science are often the required STEM subjects. If you are considering a career in the environmental field, you may wish to consider taking courses in environmental studies, soil chemistry, and similar fields.

What can I do with an Associate’s Degree in Chemistry?

Laboratory Assistant

Researchers and scientists rely on the assistance of lab assistants to conduct numerous tests and research. It’s important to note that their key responsibilities include preparing test samples, maintaining research data, and documentation of processes and results.

Median Salary: $35,649

Research Associate

Assists scientists in conducting quantitative and qualitative analyses of various materials, chemicals, or products. Responsibilities include quality control, compliance, and maintenance.

Median Salary: $57,456

Laboratory Technician

Chemical laboratory technicians work alongside chemists and chemical engineers to conduct research, perform experiments, and create new products and chemical processes. They assist with the design, execution, and monitoring of experiments as well as recording and reporting outcomes.

Median Salary: $47,503

What can I do with a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry?

Chemist

Chemists perform laboratory experiments to evaluate chemicals, produce new products, and enhance current ones. They may specialize in one or more fields of chemistry, for example, biochemistry, organic chemistry, and inorganic chemistry.

Median Salary: $60,604

Materials Scientist

Materials scientists conduct research and analysis on both natural and man-made objects in order to understand them better. Their results may be utilized to create new materials, modify existing materials, or make decisions on how to use materials differently.

Median Salary: $90,431

Pharmacologist

Pharmacologists conduct investigations on the effects of new and current medicines and other pharmaceuticals on people and animals. They do research on the origins and chemical composition of medicines. They may be accountable for ensuring that medications are safe and compliant with applicable laws and regulations.

Median Salary: $82,434

Can you get a Chemistry job with just a certificate?

Certificate programs in chemistry below an associate’s degree are typically not offered as students need at least two years of academic training in order to qualify for entry-level positions. However, graduate certificate programs in chemistry are available to those with at least a bachelor’s degree in the same field or adjacent sectors. These are designed to expand the student’s academic training in order to further one’s career, gain technical skills in chemistry, or supplement research experience in a specific field in chemistry.

How can I advance my career in Chemistry?

After going through a bachelor’s degree, most paths to careers in chemistry point to master’s degree programs and a doctorate, which gives graduates better chances to secure some of the highest paying chemistry jobs. While there are various opportunities for bachelor’s in chemistry graduates, if your career goal in chemistry involves landing managerial positions, you need advanced career and professional experience.

What can I do with a Master’s in Chemistry?

Production Chemist

Industrial production facilities, such as chemical factories and refineries employ production chemists. These chemists apply their expertise to enhance existing industrial processes or develop new ones. They may oversee production, assist in the design of plant equipment and procedures, or supervise quality control. They frequently collaborate with chemical engineers.

Median Salary: $46,000

Research Chemist

Chemists who do research on chemical compounds utilize their findings to develop and enhance processes and products, ranging from novel medications and medical treatments to manufactured items such as cosmetics, electrical appliances, and food and beverage. The majority of research chemists work in laboratories.

Median Salary:$70,587

Chemistry Instructor

Chemistry instructors organize lessons, prepare and present lectures, and oversee students’ laboratory activities. Instructors assess students’ performance and keep classroom records. They offer courses on the physical and chemical characteristics of substances, as well as their compositional variations.

Median Salary: $49,905

What can I do with a Ph.D. in Chemistry?

Chemistry Professor

Chemistry teachers continue to do research in chemistry to stay current on new discoveries and adapt their teaching materials accordingly. They continue to do independent research for the universities where they work and attend frequent meetings on a variety of chemistry-related issues.

Median Salary: $96,915

Chemical Engineers

Chemical engineers spend their time developing and constructing systems and machinery utilized in biological, environmental, industrial, and chemical processes, as well as optimizing them. These same professionals collaborate directly with the food and pharmaceutical industries to produce safer and more efficient goods for the public. In terms of median wage, chemical engineers have one of the best paying jobs in major chemicals along with chemists.

Median Salary: $78,951

Environment Scientists and Specialists

Environment scientists and other professionals pursuing sustainability careers apply their scientific expertise to identify dangers within a specific environment and develop strategies for mitigating or eliminating their impact. They collect data on food, soil, water, and air in order to identify strategies to conserve and maintain the ecosystem.

Median Salary: $62,563

Which certification is best for Chemistry?

The certification program’s objective is to recognize chemists and chemical engineers who possess a minimum level of education and/or experience and have engaged in professional career development and continuing education activities during the last one to three years. The program promotes a variety of strategies for practitioners to maintain and enhance their abilities. Additionally, it acts as a vehicle for formally recognizing educational programs and other professional activities aimed at enhancing the chemical scientist’s or engineer’s present competency in his or her specialty.

• Specialist in Chemistry, SC (ASCP). The American Society for Clinical Pathology’s (ASCP) Specialist in Chemistry (S.C. (ASCP)) accreditation attests to a professional’s comprehension and knowledge of advanced scientific concepts, including research, procedural, and technical aspects of laboratory chemistry.
• Certified Chemical Engineer (CCE). The certification program’s objective is to recognize chemical engineers and other professionals in the industry who possess a minimum level of education and/or experience and have engaged in professional career development and continuing education during the last one to three years.
• Pharmaceutical Sales. The Pharmaceutical Sales exam assesses familiarity with the pharmaceutical sales process. It was created for seasoned pharmacists and pharmaceutical salespeople and includes the following topics: territory analysis, pre-call planning, post-call analysis, core message, and product information.

How does chemistry contribute to sustainability and environmental protection?

Chemistry plays a vital role in advancing sustainability and protecting the environment by developing eco-friendly solutions and technologies. Here are some ways chemistry contributes:

• Green chemistry. Chemists focus on creating processes that reduce or eliminate hazardous substances. Green chemistry aims to minimize waste, lower energy consumption, and use renewable resources, making chemical processes safer for the environment.
• Pollution control. Chemists develop methods to monitor and reduce pollution. This includes creating materials that can clean up oil spills, filter pollutants from water, and capture carbon dioxide to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Renewable energy solutions. Chemistry is crucial in developing new materials for renewable energy technologies such as solar cells, batteries, and fuel cells. These innovations help transition from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources.
• Biodegradable materials. Chemists are at the forefront of designing biodegradable plastics and other sustainable materials that break down more easily in the environment, reducing the long-term impact of waste.

How do you choose the right chemistry degree program?

When evaluating a chemistry degree program, potential students should consider factors that align with both career objectives and personal circumstances. Review the curriculum for a balanced mix of theoretical knowledge and practical application, ensuring that learning opportunities are supported by experienced faculty and modern laboratory facilities. Focus on program flexibility, including options for remote learning such as an accredited online bachelors degree, if balancing professional or personal responsibilities is essential. Additionally, assess cost-effectiveness, accreditation status, and post-graduation career outcomes as indicators of a program’s quality and industry relevance.

Can complementary certifications boost a chemist’s career growth?

Chemists can enhance career prospects by diversifying their skillset beyond core scientific training. Pursuing targeted certifications in emerging areas—such as data analysis, regulatory compliance, or digital technologies—can open pathways into niche roles while strengthening overall marketability. Complementary qualifications also foster interdisciplinary capabilities, enabling practitioners to leverage scientific expertise in adjacent sectors. For example, professionals aiming to integrate science with administrative or technical roles might explore certifications that supplement their analytical background. In some cases, acquiring credentials like the cheapest medical coding certification can provide valuable insights into health informatics and administrative workflows, further broadening career options.

Is advanced online education a valuable investment for chemists?

Advanced online education offers professionals the opportunity to acquire specialized knowledge and refine analytical skills without compromising current work or personal commitments. By engaging in flexible programs that emphasize both theoretical foundations and practical applications, chemists can access cutting‐edge research, broaden their interdisciplinary scope, and gain leadership acumen essential for managerial roles. These programs are designed to bridge the gap between core chemistry disciplines and emerging fields such as pharmaceutical sciences, ultimately enhancing career trajectories and innovation within the industry. For instance, pursuing doctor of pharmacy online programs can complement a chemist’s expertise while providing insights into drug development, regulatory affairs, and advanced research methodologies.

Can non-chemistry certifications broaden your career prospects?

Expanding your skill set with focused certifications can open new interdisciplinary pathways beyond traditional chemistry roles. Complementary credentials facilitate diversification into healthcare, regulatory affairs, or operational roles where scientific acumen is valued alongside specialized training. For instance, gaining a fast medical assistant certification can offer accelerated entry into healthcare support positions, thereby enhancing career flexibility. Such certifications emphasize practical skills, validate expertise in emerging areas, and increase overall marketability in competitive job markets.

How can chemistry drive innovation in healthcare?

Chemistry underpins many advancements in healthcare by providing foundational insights into drug development, diagnostics, and biomaterials. Professionals often collaborate across disciplines to translate molecular discoveries into practical, patient-centered applications. Integrating specialized laboratory research with clinical practices can lead to the creation of novel treatment methods and improved diagnostic tools. For those looking to deepen their interdisciplinary expertise and bridge the gap between scientific research and clinical application, further education—such as a medical degree online—can offer a strategic pathway.

What Advanced Educational Pathways Can Further Boost a Chemist's Career?

Pursuing advanced academic and professional training can open higher-level opportunities beyond traditional roles. Chemists can benefit from targeted interdisciplinary programs, specialized certifications, and doctoral studies that cultivate expertise in emerging sectors. For instance, integrated curricula in pharmaceutical sciences and regulatory strategy can equip professionals with a competitive edge for leadership in innovative research and product development. Consider exploring flexible online doctoral programs, such as the best PharmD programs, which reinforce core chemical knowledge while expanding clinical and translational competencies.

Alternative Career Options for Chemists

While traditional job options for chemistry majors may include working in a laboratory, doing research, or working in the medical field, there are various other career options that chemistry majors may be interested in exploring.

What else can a Chemist Do?

• Agricultural and Food Scientists. Agricultural and food scientists are responsible for doing research on a variety of agricultural goods, such as food, as well as agricultural locations, like farms and land regions. Among their responsibilities are analyzing soil samples to evaluate whether the land is suited for high crop yields, creating innovative methods of preserving and packing food, and interacting with farm animals to ensure they are cared for correctly and remain healthy.
• Wholesale and Manufacturing Sales Representatives. Wholesale and manufacturing sales agents offer products and services to businesses and other types of organizations on behalf of various wholesalers and manufacturing enterprises. Some of these items are technical or scientific in nature, necessitating the hiring of a sales representative with a scientific background, such as chemistry.
• Natural Sciences Managers. A natural sciences manager is generally responsible for supervising the work of other scientific experts, such as chemists and biologists. They may be in charge of ensuring that a laboratory operates smoothly and is adequately supplied, or they may be more focused on administrative duties such as staffing, hiring, and budgeting.
• Technical Writers. Another alternative for chemistry students is to work as a technical writer, which typically entails producing a variety of technical papers, such as instruction manuals, journals, and how-to manuals. These writers frequently work with sophisticated data and then attempt to write about it in a plain and straightforward manner that customers can comprehend without prior expertise.

Diverse Career Options in Chemistry

Chemistry itself is a diverse industry with various subfields in which professionals can specialize. After finishing their bachelor’s degree, most graduates begin planning their next step, which typically involves taking advanced degree types, testing for certifications, or focusing on a specific sector in chemistry. Because the demand for chemists and similar professionals to work in jobs that involve chemistry increases, those in the field get to enjoy numerous options in the chemistry careers list. As professionals gain more experience and training in chemistry, salary increases and promotions are inevitable.

Furthermore, career goals in chemistry may evolve into much higher positions such as managers, consultants, or even business owners. Indeed, chemistry degree jobs are some of the most exciting and dynamic professions out there. As such, they are worth considering in your career exploration efforts.

How can you balance continuing chemistry education with family responsibilities?

Many industry professionals seeking career advancement in chemistry also face personal commitments that require flexible educational solutions. Flexible online programs are designed to accommodate working professionals by offering asynchronous classes, modular coursework, and tailored academic support. These programs provide a viable pathway for those aiming to gain advanced skills and qualifications without compromising family responsibilities. For instance, exploring college programs for moms can offer a structured approach to re-entering or upgrading your education while maintaining a balance with personal obligations.

Key Insights

• Diverse Career Opportunities: A degree in chemistry opens doors to various fields, including pharmaceuticals, environmental science, chemical engineering, and education. The versatility of a chemistry degree allows graduates to explore multiple career paths.
• High Demand and Competitive Salaries: Chemists and materials scientists enjoy a favorable job outlook, with an expected growth rate of 5% from 2019 to 2029. The average salary for chemists is approximately $80,680 per year, while materials scientists earn about $99,460 annually.
• Essential Skill Set: Successful chemists possess a blend of technical skills (chemistry, mathematics, physics, biology) and soft skills (critical thinking, communication, writing, active learning). These skills are crucial for conducting research, developing new compounds, and improving existing processes.
• Educational Pathways: Starting a career in chemistry typically requires a bachelor's degree. Advanced positions, particularly in research and academia, often necessitate a master’s or doctoral degree. Certifications can further enhance career prospects.
• Growing Fields: Biotechnology, environmental research, and pharmaceuticals are driving demand for chemists. These industries require expertise in developing new drugs, ensuring environmental compliance, and innovating sustainable practices.
• Alternative Career Paths: Chemists can transition into roles such as agricultural and food scientists, technical writers, sales representatives for scientific products, and natural sciences managers. These positions leverage a chemist’s analytical and scientific skills in diverse settings.

FAQ

1. What educational qualifications are needed to start a career in chemistry? To start a career in chemistry, you typically need at least a bachelor's degree in chemistry or a related field. For research positions or higher-level roles, a master's degree or Ph.D. is often required.
2. What skills are essential for a successful career in chemistry? Essential skills for chemists include a strong understanding of chemistry, mathematics, physics, and biology. Critical thinking, communication, writing, active learning, and systems thinking are also important for conducting research and collaborating with others.
3. What are some high-paying jobs in the field of chemistry? High-paying jobs in chemistry include roles such as materials scientists, pharmacologists, chemical engineers, and environmental scientists. These positions often require advanced degrees and offer competitive salaries.
4. Can I get a chemistry job with just an associate's degree? Yes, with an associate's degree in chemistry, you can obtain entry-level positions such as laboratory assistant, research associate, or laboratory technician. These roles provide valuable experience and can be a stepping stone to further education and higher positions.
5. How can I advance my career in chemistry? Advancing your career in chemistry often involves pursuing higher education, such as a master’s or doctoral degree. Gaining specialized certifications, engaging in continuous learning, and acquiring hands-on experience through research and projects can also enhance your career prospects.
6. What are some alternative career options for chemistry graduates? Alternative career options for chemistry graduates include roles in agricultural and food science, technical writing, sales for scientific products, and natural sciences management. These positions utilize a chemist’s analytical and technical skills in different industries.
7. What is the job outlook for chemists? The job outlook for chemists is positive, with an expected growth rate of 5% from 2019 to 2029. This growth is driven by demand in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and environmental research.
8. Are there certification programs that can enhance my career in chemistry? Yes, certification programs such as the Specialist in Chemistry (SC) by the American Society for Clinical Pathology and the Certified Chemical Engineer (CCE) can enhance your career by demonstrating advanced knowledge and skills in specific areas of chemistry.
9. What is the role of a materials scientist? Materials scientists conduct research on natural and synthetic materials to understand their properties and develop new materials. They work in various industries, including manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and environmental science, to innovate and improve products.
10. What types of research do chemists conduct? Chemists conduct research to understand chemical reactions, develop new compounds, improve industrial processes, and create new materials. Their research can lead to advancements in medicine, environmental sustainability, and technology.
11. How does a chemistry degree prepare students for the workforce? A chemistry degree provides students with a strong foundation in scientific principles, analytical techniques, and laboratory skills. It also develops critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, which are essential for various professional roles in science and industry.

References:

• Avargil, S., Kohen, Z., & Dori, Y. J. (2020). Trends and perceptions of choosing chemistry as a major and a career. Chemistry Education Research and Practice, 21(2), 668684. https://doi.org/10.1039/c9rp00158a
• Ghanem, E., Long, S. R., Rodenbusch, S. E., Shear, R. I., Beckham, J. T., Procko, K., DePue, L., Stevenson, K. J., Robertus, J. D., Martin, S., Holliday, B., Jones, R. A., Anslyn, E. V., & Simmons, S. L. (2017). Teaching through research: Alignment of core chemistry competencies and skills within a multidisciplinary research framework. Journal of Chemical Education, 95(2), 248258. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jchemed.7b00294
• U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2020, May). Occupational employment and wages, may 2020. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes192031.htm
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2021, June). Chemists and materials scientists. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/chemists-and-materials-scientists.htm