| Important Core Job Duties (in order of importance) For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. |
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| Importance (%) | Description |
| Importance: 96 (%) | Description: Maintain laboratory instruments to ensure proper working order and troubleshoot malfunctions when needed. |
| Importance: 96 (%) | Description: Write technical papers or reports or prepare standards and specifications for processes, facilities, products, or tests. |
| Importance: 96 (%) | Description: Confer with scientists or engineers to conduct analyses of research projects, interpret test results, or develop nonstandard tests. |
| Importance: 94 (%) | Description: Evaluate laboratory safety procedures to ensure compliance with standards or to make improvements as needed. |
| Importance: 94 (%) | Description: Develop, improve, or customize products, equipment, formulas, processes, or analytical methods. |
| Importance: 93 (%) | Description: Compile and analyze test information to determine process or equipment operating efficiency or to diagnose malfunctions. |
| Importance: 91 (%) | Description: Conduct quality control tests. |
| Importance: 89 (%) | Description: Analyze organic or inorganic compounds to determine chemical or physical properties, composition, structure, relationships, or reactions, using chromatography, spectroscopy, or spectrophotometry techniques. |
| Importance: 89 (%) | Description: Direct, coordinate, or advise personnel in test procedures for analyzing components or physical properties of materials. |
| Importance: 84 (%) | Description: Purchase laboratory supplies, such as chemicals, when supplies are low or near their expiration date. |
| Importance: 83 (%) | Description: Prepare test solutions, compounds, or reagents for laboratory personnel to conduct tests. |
| Importance: 69 (%) | Description: Induce changes in composition of substances by introducing heat, light, energy, or chemical catalysts for quantitative or qualitative analysis. |
Bachelor Degree Careers and Jobs (jobs after undergraduate degree)
Explore Careers and Jobs Predominantly Filled by Those with a Bachelor's Degree with or without Certificates - All On One Page
Sorted by median annual U.S. salary and including percentage of job holders with Bachelor's Degree.
A bachelor's degree qualifies graduates for a wide range of professional, technical, and management-track careers across nearly every industry. For people who want to compare where a four-year degree can lead before choosing a major or job. Compare careers ranked by salary, review degree-holder and experience percentages, and access preparation resources for each role.
Here is a short Helper Video 
.
This page will take you through 4 steps, relative to an Bachelor's Degree, to (1) Select a career, (2) Find active job listings, (3) Prepare for the career you chose, and (4) Provide web resources specific to the career you chose.
Step 1: Select a Career: You will be presented with a listing of Bachelor's Degree careers. The list may be quite long. There are two ways you might like to use this list:
1) Filter - As you enter a word, you will filter (limit) the list of careers below
2) Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply browse the list of careers. There may be many that you might never have considered. This may help you to discover careers that might be of interest.
Once you have identified a career of interest, simply click on it.
Step 2: Find a Job: After you have selected a career/job title above, you will see a form asking for your location. You will see several radio selection choices to utilize the job search site of your choice.
Step 3: Prepare For a Career: In this section you will gain access to detailed information to help you prepare for the career you selected. Information includes core and supplemental duties, general and specific work activities, knowledge required, essential and transferable skills required, day-in-the-life summaries, knowledge required, software skills required, preparation required, educational requirements, training and work experience required, local salary information, certifications, professional associations, current job listings for the job selected along with multiple similar job titles, and related careers (related to what they do, what they know, and what they're called).
Step 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated): Continue to scroll down the page and you will find tabs that will provide detailed (updated) links to occupational information specific to the career you selected. This information includes:
Videos: Provides a listing of video links related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.
Resumes: Sources for resume materials and techniques. This can help to get you started.
Job Description: Sources that provide job descriptions, which are vital to resume and interview preparation.
Interviews: Provides links that can help you to prepare for and successfully complete the job interview.
Step by Step: Provides links to resources that can help to organize the career search process.
LinkedIn: One of the best professional social media sites that provides links, opportunities, and networking specifically for careers and career development.
Step 1 of 4: Select a Career
Leading Books About Bachelor's Degree Jobs
What jobs can you get with a Bachelor's Degree? Scroll through the picklist (below). These are careers related to the Bachelor's Degree level, with at least 30% of job holders having a Bachelor's Degree. - 255 specific careers are listed, with matching jobs currently available. Select those careers that may be of interest - you will then get links to matching active job listings, and detailed resources to help you prepare.
You can use this form two ways:
1) Enter a Keyword - As you enter a keyword, you will filter (limit) the listing to those careers that contain the keyword entered
2) Browse the list (Don't enter a keyword) - You can simply browse the list of careers. There may be many that you might never have considered. This may help you to discover jobs that might be of interest.
OR - leave blank and scroll through the choices:
Select a Job Title - Sorted by Annual Salary -(scroll and Select) :
Legend: Career Title Link / (% having Bachelor's Degree) / (Median Annual U.S. Salary)
Step 2 of 4: Find a Job
Job Listings for: Chemists.
Step 3 of 4: Prepare For a Career
Prepare for the "Chemists" Career
The details below will provide a pathway to your specific job goal and help you to identify an appropriate career ladder.
Chemists
Description: Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge.
Please click on a section below to expand and see detailed occupational information related to "Chemists":
U.S. Total Employment (2023):
85,400U.S. Total Employment (2033 est.):
91,100
Employment Change (2023-2033 est.):
5,700 (6.7%) Average Annual Job Openings (2023-2033 est.):
8,400
Core Duties
Work Activities
| Important General Work Activities (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. |
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| Importance (%) | Description |
| Importance: 88 (%) | Description: Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form. |
| Importance: 84 (%) | Description: Analyzing Data or Information: Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts. |
| Importance: 82 (%) | Description: Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. |
| Importance: 82 (%) | Description: Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. |
| Importance: 82 (%) | Description: Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events. |
| Importance: 81 (%) | Description: Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. |
| Importance: 79 (%) | Description: Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards: Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards. |
| Importance: 78 (%) | Description: Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. |
| Importance: 78 (%) | Description: Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data. |
| Importance: 76 (%) | Description: Working with Computers: Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information. |
| Importance: 76 (%) | Description: Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work. |
| Importance: 75 (%) | Description: Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others: Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used. |
| Importance: 75 (%) | Description: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems. |
| Importance: 74 (%) | Description: Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials: Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects. |
| Importance: 71 (%) | Description: Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information: Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity. |
| Importance: 70 (%) | Description: Scheduling Work and Activities: Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others. |
| Importance: 69 (%) | Description: Training and Teaching Others: Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others. |
| Importance: 68 (%) | Description: Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People: Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people. |
| Importance: 67 (%) | Description: Developing and Building Teams: Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members. |
| Importance: 67 (%) | Description: Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions. |
| Importance: 65 (%) | Description: Controlling Machines and Processes: Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles). |
| Importance: 64 (%) | Description: Developing Objectives and Strategies: Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them. |
| Importance: 64 (%) | Description: Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others: Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks. |
| Importance: 63 (%) | Description: Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time. |
| Importance: 61 (%) | Description: Coaching and Developing Others: Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills. |
| Importance: 61 (%) | Description: Handling and Moving Objects: Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things. |
| Importance: 61 (%) | Description: Monitoring and Controlling Resources: Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money. |
| Importance: 60 (%) | Description: Performing General Physical Activities: Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials. |
Specific Work Activities
| Important Specific Work Activities
How can you begin to build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. Specific Work Activities appear below: |
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| Analyze chemical compounds or substances. | |
| Analyze operational or research data. | |
| Analyze test or performance data to assess equipment operation. | |
| Collaborate on research activities with scientists or technical specialists. | |
| Develop new or advanced products or production methods. | |
| Diagnose equipment malfunctions. | |
| Establish standards for products, processes, or procedures. | |
| Maintain laboratory or technical equipment. | |
| Manage scientific or technical project resources. | |
| Monitor operational procedures in technical environments to ensure conformance to standards. | |
| Prepare compounds or solutions for products or testing. | |
| Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations. | |
| Supervise scientific or technical personnel. | |
| Test quality of materials or finished products. | |
Knowledge Required
| Knowledge Required (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. |
|
| Importance (%) | Description |
| Importance: 96 (%) | Description: Chemistry: Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods. |
| Importance: 79 (%) | Description: English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar. |
| Importance: 74 (%) | Description: Mathematics: Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. |
| Importance: 68 (%) | Description: Production and Processing: Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods. |
| Importance: 66 (%) | Description: Administration and Management: Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources. |
| Importance: 66 (%) | Description: Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming. |
| Importance: 65 (%) | Description: Administrative: Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology. |
| Importance: 62 (%) | Description: Physics: Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes. |
Essential Skills
| Essential Skills (in order of importance)
These are the foundational skills most central to success in this occupation. For the Top 5 most important, how can you begin building experience and confidence using these skills now? |
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| Importance (%) | Description |
| Importance: 68 (%) | Description: Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems. |
| Importance: 66 (%) | Description: Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents. |
| Importance: 66 (%) | Description: Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems. |
| Importance: 64 (%) | Description: Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively. |
| Importance: 62 (%) | Description: Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. |
| Importance: 62 (%) | Description: Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience. |
| Importance: 62 (%) | Description: Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems. |
| Importance: 60 (%) | Description: Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making. |
| Importance: 58 (%) | Description: Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action. |
Transferable Skills
| Transferable Skills (in order of importance)
These are skills that can transfer across occupations and industries. For the Top 5 most important, how can you strengthen these skills now so they support both this career and future career flexibility? |
|
| Importance (%) | Description |
| Importance: 60 (%) | Description: Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. |
| Importance: 54 (%) | Description: Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance. |
| Importance: 54 (%) | Description: Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one. |
| Importance: 52 (%) | Description: Systems Analysis: Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes. |
| Importance: 52 (%) | Description: Systems Evaluation: Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system. |
Day-in-the-Life Summaries
| Day-in-the-Life Summaries These summaries show the main types of activities you are likely to perform on a regular basis in this occupation. How can you imagine your typical workday — using these examples to see if this type of work fits you? |
| Activity: Analyze biological or chemical substances or related data. |
| Activity: Analyze data to improve operations. |
| Activity: Analyze performance of systems or equipment. |
| Activity: Assist scientists, scholars, or technical specialists with projects or research. |
| Activity: Develop operational or technical procedures or standards. |
| Activity: Diagnose system or equipment problems. |
| Activity: Direct scientific or technical activities. |
| Activity: Maintain electronic, computer, or other technical equipment. |
| Activity: Monitor operations to ensure adequate performance. |
| Activity: Prepare specimens or materials for testing. |
| Activity: Present research or technical information. |
| Activity: Supervise personnel activities. |
| Activity: Test characteristics of materials or products. |
Software Skills
|
Software Skills These are examples of software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized from most to least important for your career preparation. How can you start learning or practicing the highest-priority tools so that you feel confident using them on the job? |
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| High-Priority Tech Skills | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Office suite software: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Microsoft Office software | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Presentation software: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Microsoft PowerPoint | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Spreadsheet software: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Microsoft Excel | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Emerging Tech Skills | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Data base user interface and query software: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Microsoft Access Structured query language SQL | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Development environment software: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| C Microsoft Visual Basic | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Enterprise application integration software: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Extensible markup language XML | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Enterprise resource planning ERP software: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SAP software | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Object or component oriented development software: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| C++ Oracle Java R | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Process mapping and design software: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Microsoft Visio | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Web platform development software: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hypertext markup language HTML | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Word processing software: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Microsoft Word | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| General Software Tools | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Analytical or scientific software (scroll table below): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Computer aided design CAD software: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ChemInnovation Software Chem 4-D ChemSW Molecular Modeling Pro Hypercube HyperChem | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Data base user interface and query software (scroll table below): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Development environment software: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| National Instruments LabVIEW | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Document management software: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ChemSW Laboratory Document Control System LDCS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Graphics or photo imaging software: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Digital imaging software Graphics software MolDraw | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Inventory management software: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ChemSW Chemical Inventory System CIS ItemTracker UBI Biotracker | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Office suite software: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Apple iWork NeoOffice | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Presentation software: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Apple iWork Keynote | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Spreadsheet software: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Apple iWork Numbers | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Word processing software: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Apple iWork Pages |
Preparation Required
| Preparation Required - How much preparation is needed to obtain this type of job? |
| Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed |
| 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. |
| Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. |
| Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training. |
| Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, conservation scientists, art directors, and cost estimators. |
Education Required
| Education Required - by frequency of educational attainment This shows you details about the level of education most commonly held by workers in this occupation. How can you begin planning the educational pathway that will prepare you best for this type of work? |
|
| Frequency of Attainment (%) | Level of Education |
| Frequency of Attainment: 55.9 (%) | Level of Education: Bachelor's Degree |
| Frequency of Attainment: 30.0 (%) | Level of Education: Doctoral Degree |
| Frequency of Attainment: 9.9 (%) | Level of Education: Master's Degree |
| Frequency of Attainment: 4.2 (%) | Level of Education: Post-Baccalaureate Certificate - awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Baccalaureate degree but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees carrying the title of Master. |
Training and Experience Required
| Training and Experience Required - by frequency of training and work experience attainment This section shows you how often different types of training and work experience are required for this occupation. How can you start gaining the kinds of experience and training that are most common for this type of work? |
|
| Frequency of Attainment (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience |
| Frequency of Attainment: 37.3 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years |
| Frequency of Attainment: 28.7 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years |
| Frequency of Attainment: 11.3 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: None |
| Frequency of Attainment: 9.6 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years |
| Frequency of Attainment: 5.1 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 years, up to and including 8 years |
| Frequency of Attainment: 4.9 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 10 years |
| Frequency of Attainment: 3.2 (%) | Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months |
Local Salary Information
Select a State (scroll and Select) :
Please select a State to see State and National Salaries
Certifications
| Certifications These are examples of certifications that may be important for this occupation. How can you begin exploring which certifications fit your goals and what steps you would need to take to earn them? |
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Certified Professional Chemist
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Chemical Hygiene Officer
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Clinical Chemist
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Environmental Analytical Technologist
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Toxicological Chemist
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Professional Associations
| Professional Associations These associations connect people who work in this occupation or related fields. How can you start using these associations to learn more, build your network, or find mentoring opportunities? |
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AACC International
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American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC)
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American Chemical Society
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American Institute of Chemists (AIC)
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American Plastics Council (APC)
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Drug and Alcohol Testing Industry Association (DATIA)
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Electrochemical Society (ECS)
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Epsom Salt Council (ESC)
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North American Catalysis Society (NACS)
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Science History Institute (SHI)
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Society of Chemical Industry (SOCI)
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Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC)
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Job Listings
Related Careers to Consider
Step 4 of 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated)
This section contains detailed resources appropriate to "Chemists". Explore these resources to start learning more. Links are constantly updated, so bookmark this page.
Videos
Here is a listing of videos related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.
Resumes
Here are resources that allow you to see example resumes for this occupation. It may be helpful to see examples from others who have this type of experience.
Job Description
Here are resources that provide job descriptions, which are vital for resume and interview preparation.
Interviews
There are many great resources that can help guide you through the interview process. These links provide help in preparing and performing an effective interview, specific to this occupation.
Step-by-Step
Here are links to help guide you, step-by-step, to become a(n): Chemists
LinkedIn®
Here are links to various posts and groups from LinkedIn ® that relate to this occupation. Great way to start building professional contacts in the field that might be most appropriate for you.
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