What Can You Do with a Chemistry Degree?

A degree in chemistry opens you to a wide range of career opportunities in many fields such as science, healthcare, research, and business. We put together a list of the best careers for chemistry majors at a variety of education levels to help chemistry graduates plan their careers. 

What Is a Chemistry Major? 

Chemistry is a field of science that offers insight into the chemical properties of elements on the periodic table and the production of various chemical products. This academic discipline explains chemical reactions, biological processes, and how different elements interact with each other at an atomic level.

How to Become a Chemist: Chemistry Education Options

The minimum education level for most chemistry jobs is an undergraduate chemistry degree like a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, which will take four years. Most research and teaching positions require a master’s or doctoral degree. Look at the following lists to help you in your school search. 

Chemistry Associate Degree 

Unlike the conventional bachelor’s degree, earning an associate degree takes two years. It builds a strong foundation in all aspects of chemistry and paves the way for you to transfer to a bachelor’s program if you choose to further your education.

Best Associate Degree Programs in Chemistry

• Associate of Science, Chemistry Emphasis-Truckee Meadows Community College
• Chemistry Associate in Science -Rose State College
• Physical Science Associate -Glendale Community College
• Chemistry Associate in Science -Raritan Valley Community College
• Associate in Science Transfer Degree-Green River College 

Chemistry Bachelor’s Degree 

An undergraduate degree in chemistry involves introductory and advanced learning in natural science and mathematics. It usually takes four years to complete and includes theoretical and laboratory courses. Students explore inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry. A bachelor’s degree in chemistry prepares you for a role in a variety of chemistry fields.

Best Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Chemistry 

• Bachelor of Science in Chemistry-Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
• Bachelor of Science in Chemistry-University of California – Berkeley
• Bachelor of Science in Chemistry-Princeton University
• Bachelor of Science in Chemistry-Harvard University
• Bachelor of Science in Chemistry-Stanford University

Chemistry Master’s Degree 

A Master’s Degree in Chemistry provides students with more specialized knowledge of different branches of chemistry. You can earn an MRes degree, which focuses on research, or an MPhil degree, which allows you to work on a project of your own and is often part of a PhD program. It takes about two years to earn a master’s degree.

Best Master’s Degree Programs in Chemistry 

• Master’s Degree in Chemistry-California Institute of Technology
• Bachelor/Master combined degree in chemistry-Northwestern University
• Master’s Degree in Chemistry-Harvard University
• Master of Science in Chemistry-University of Illinois- Urbana-Champaign
• Master of Science-Cornell University

Chemistry Career Overview: Is a Chemistry Career Worth It?

Chemistry Job Outlook

Chemistry degree jobs are some of the most lucrative in the science field. The Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS) describes a steady employment growth rate of about six percent between 2020 and 2030, with over 9,100 openings in the coming years in this career field. Chemistry graduates can work in research development, laboratories, pharmaceutics and medicine, or chemical engineering. 

Entry-level employment in this field requires a bachelor’s degree. However, having a master’s or doctoral degree is recommended. It gives chemistry professionals better opportunities in their fields of study and allows them to earn a higher annual wage. 

Chemistry Salaries

According to BLS, the median salary of most chemists is $79,300. The lowest 10 percent earn about $44,970, and the highest 10 percent make over $139,650. Because chemists can work in such a wide variety of fields, from pharmaceutical companies to public health organizations, your annual salary will depend heavily on the career path you choose.

Best Jobs for Chemistry Majors: What Can You Do with a Chemistry Degree?

Earning a degree in chemistry opens you to a wide variety of career options, many of which offer excellent salaries. Below is a list of some of the best jobs you can apply for given your level of education.

Best Chemistry Jobs for Associate Degree Majors

Geological Technician

• Average Salary: $50,630
• Job Outlook:  A nine percent increase

Geological technicians work with teams of scientists and engineers to coordinate exploration activities. They monitor and record data such as temperature and pressures. They analyze field samples to identify geological characteristics in areas that have valuable resources or information.

Chemical Research Associate

• Average Salary: $61,206
• Job Outlook: A six percent increase* 

A chemical research associate is responsible for conducting chemical analyses and physical laboratory tests to assist scientists in analyzing materials for research and quality control. They also assist in developing different testing methods.

Food Technologist

• Average Salary: $41,970
• Job Outlook: An eight percent increase 

Food technologists assist agricultural and food scientists. They perform activities like analyzing the quality of food and farming products. They work with food scientists to conduct food research, development, and quality control.

Chemical Technician

• Average Salary: $49,820
• Job Outlook: A five percent increase  

Chemical technicians typically work in chemical engineering research labs. They employ laboratory instruments and techniques to help chemists and chemical engineers test chemical processes and products.

Medical Laboratory Technician 

• Average Salary: $54,180
• Job Outlook: An 11 percent increase 

Medical laboratory technicians perform tests to analyze body fluids like blood samples, urine, tissues, and other samples. They often specialize in areas such as phlebotomy, cytotechnology, and immunology.

*Chemical research associates’ Job outlook listed under chemists and material scientists.  

Best Chemistry Jobs for Bachelor Degree Major

Natural Science Manager

• Average Salary: $137,940
• Job Outlook: A six percent increase  

Natural science managers direct and coordinate product development and production activities. Much of their responsibility lies in managing teams and carrying out administrative duties within an organization.

Chemists and Materials Scientist

• Average Salary: $79,300
• Job Outlook: A six percent increase 

Chemists and materials scientists analyze the behavior of substances as they interact with one another at atomic and molecular levels. They conduct research and use their analytical skills to develop new and improved products. 

Environmental scientists and specialists

• Average Salary: $73,230
• Job Outlook: An eight percent increase 

These professionals use their knowledge of environmental science and environmental chemistry to protect the environment. They analyze environmental problems and develop viable solutions to them. They also work as environmental consultants to government agencies and private firms to ensure that production processes remain eco-friendly.

Forensic scientist

• Average Salary: $60,590
• Job Outlook: A 16 percent increase

Forensic scientists, also called forensic science technicians or crime scene investigators, aid criminal investigations by applying forensic chemistry to analyze evidence. Evidence can include dirt samples, blood samples, fingerprints, and more. They utilize special laboratory techniques and instruments to assist law enforcement in solving crimes.

Analytical chemist

• Average Salary: $56,941 
• Job Outlook: A six percent increase* 

An analytical chemist employs their knowledge of analytical chemistry, math, statistics, and chemistry to create solutions to industrial problems. They conduct research on product development, design instruments, and perform qualitative and quantitative analysis using chemical technologies.

*An analytical chemists’ job outlook listed under chemists and material scientists.

Best Chemistry Jobs for Master’s Degree Majors

Biochemist

• Average Salary: $94,270
• Job Outlook: A five percent increase 

Biochemists study the chemical and physical components of living things and biological systems. They use advanced technologies to conduct experiments and perform analyses to help us better understand the world around us. 

Chemical engineer

• Average Salary: $108,540
• Job Outlook: A nine percent increase 

Chemical engineers employ principles of physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics in production processes. They design equipment for large-scale manufacturing and plan production processes to create desired results.

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Medical scientist

• Average Salary: $91,510
• Job Outlook: A 17 percent increase 

Medical scientists conduct research aimed at improving human health. They design and conduct studies that investigate diseases and methods to treat and cure them. They also develop programs that improve healthcare systems.

Epidemiologist

• Average Salary: $74,560
• Job Outlook: A 30 percent increase 

Epidemiologists investigate the causes of diseases and injury. They plan and direct studies that seek to identify new ways to reduce the risk of negative health issues and identify strategies to handle current health risks to the general population. 

Archeologists

• Average Salary: $66,130
• Job Outlook: A seven percent increase 

Archeologists study the past. They develop effective methods and techniques to analyze recovered artifacts, such as prehistoric tools, buildings, animal bones, and tiny organisms. They work with professionals in different fields to make meaning out of their findings. 

Three Final Tips to Get a Job in Chemistry 

After seeing the projections of job growth and variety of job roles in the chemistry field, you can be sure that a career in chemistry is a good choice. Pay attention to the following strategies to increase your chances of getting hired.

1. Refine your skills and network. Chemistry professionals must possess a good mix of analysis skills, communication skills, and interpersonal skills. Meet with people in your industry, such as professors and other professionals, to identify what skills will be most useful in building your career. 
2. Make sure you are a member of professional societies and organizations. You might apply to be a part of the American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC), the Biochemical Society, or the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemical (SETAC) for networking opportunities. Also, look out for any alumni connections offered by your university.
3. Refine your professional candidacy package. You want to be always ready for any career opportunity that comes your way, so have your portfolio and resume polished and ready. Stay aware of continuing education opportunities to stay up-to-date on developments in the field and employment opportunities. 

Potential careers in chemistry often have a high median wage, especially for those who hold advanced degrees. Because of the high standard of education in this field, a good place to start is by earning a Bachelor of Science before continuing on to graduate school. With such a variety of job roles in this field of study, there is sure to be one that interests you if you have an aptitude for chemistry.