Chemists
SOC code 19-2031 · O*NET-SOC 19-2031.00 · Considerable preparation needed · Science and engineering
Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation
Chemists pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$91,240
a year
Hourly
$43.87
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$100,450
$48.29 per hour
Middle 50%
$69,460 – $125,550
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$58,460 – $160,830
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
82,770
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $58,460
- $28.11/hr
- 25th percentile
- $69,460
- $33.39/hr
- Median percentile
- $91,240
- $43.87/hr
- 75th percentile
- $125,550
- $60.36/hr
- 90th percentile
- $160,830
- $77.32/hr
What does a chemist do?
Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- 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.
- Maintain laboratory instruments to ensure proper working order and troubleshoot malfunctions when needed.
- Prepare test solutions, compounds, or reagents for laboratory personnel to conduct tests.
- Compile and analyze test information to determine process or equipment operating efficiency or to diagnose malfunctions.
How to become a chemist
Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 56% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 4 — Considerable preparation needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Bachelor's Degree56%
- Doctoral Degree30%
- Master's Degree10%
- Post-Baccalaureate Certificate4%
Common questions
How much does a chemist earn?
The national median is $91,240 a year. The full range runs from $58,460 at the 10th percentile to $160,830 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a chemist without a degree?
Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 4, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Science4.1/5
- Reading Comprehension4.0/5
- Critical Thinking4.0/5
- Speaking3.9/5
- Active Listening3.8/5
- Writing3.8/5
- Mathematics3.8/5
- Active Learning3.6/5
Knowledge areas
- Chemistry4.9/5
- English Language4.0/5
- Mathematics3.8/5
- Production and Processing3.5/5
- Administration and Management3.4/5
- Computers and Electronics3.4/5
- Administrative3.3/5
- Physics3.1/5
Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving.