Chemists
Description OES Code: 24105
Chemists study the composition, structure, and properties of substances and the interactions between them. They search for new information about materials and look for ways to put this knowledge to practical use. They apply scientific principles and techniques using specialized instruments to measure, identify, and evaluate changes in matter.

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
Chemists working in private industry, education, and government enjoy outstanding benefits including paid vacations, life insurance, health insurance plans, and retirement programs. Chemists in private industry may also receive bonuses.

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 8,300
Projected Employment 2008 10,600
Percent Change 1998-2008 27.7%
Separations 1998-2008 2,100

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
Employment 1999 60
Projected Employment 2006 80
Percent Change 1999-2006 33.3%
Separations 1999-2006 10

Employment Trends by California County

Working Conditions
Most Chemists work regular hours in well-equipped, well-lit laboratories, offices, or classrooms but may do some of their research in a chemical plant or outdoors. Chemists handle potentially explosive or highly caustic chemicals, although risks are minimal when proper safety procedures are followed.

Advancement
In private industry, Chemists with a bachelor degree have the opportunity, with experience and additional training, to advance to a more responsible position.

The best opportunity for advancement, though, is through advanced degrees. Chemists with a master's degree usually qualify for applied research positions and teaching positions in two year colleges. A doctorate offers the best opportunities for higher levels of research and four-year college teaching positions.

Getting the Job & Other Information
Graduates, who attend colleges with cooperative education programs that allow a student to study for a degree in chemistry and work at the same time, often begin their career working with the same company. Others join firms that they worked for during summer internships. Graduates also find job leads through college placement offices and on-campus recruitment. Other sources for job leads come from professional directories and journals, classified ads, and personal networking. The ACS offers a wide range of career services to its members and student affiliates, including a professional data bank, employment clearing house, and career placement registry.

For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education and Training
The ACS Committee on Professional Training evaluates undergraduate chemistry programs and publishes a list of schools that meet their guidelines. High school students who want to major in chemistry should take related science classes and four years of mathematics, including trigonometry.

A bachelor's degree with a major in chemistry is normally the minimum requirement for starting a career as a Chemist. A master's degree is
usually required for jobs in applied research and in two-year colleges. However, because of increasing competition for teaching positions in two year colleges, the number of instructors with doctorates is growing. Doctorates are required for many Chemists in administrative, managerial and basic research positions in industry.

Skills & Other Requirements
Chemists must be able to handle potentially explosive or highly caustic chemicals, and follow proper safety procedures in order to minimize risks. Computer experience would also be an asset.

References
California Occupational Guide #383

Related Occupations: Chemical Engineers, #103

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)