How to Land a Top-Paying Physical chemists Job: Your Complete Guide to Opportunities, Resumes and Cover Letters, Interviews, Salaries, Promotions, What to Expect From Recruiters and More. Hurley Jennifer
research will offer many new opportunities for chemists and materials scientists. For example, chemical manufacturing industries will continue to invest billions of dollars each year to develop technologies and processes that reduce pollution and improve energy efficiency at manufacturing facilities.
Also, the development of improved battery technologies and alternative energy sources should lead to greater demand for chemists and materials scientists. Chemists will continue to be needed to monitor pollution levels at manufacturing facilities and ensure compliance with local, state, and federal environmental regulations.
Job Prospects
In addition to job openings resulting from employment growth, some job openings will result from the need to replace chemists and materials scientists who retire or otherwise leave the occupations.
Chemists and materials scientists with advanced degrees, particularly those with a Ph.D., are expected to experience better opportunities. Large pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms provide openings for these workers at research laboratories, and many others work in colleges and universities. Furthermore, chemists with advanced degrees will continue to fill most senior research and upper-management positions.
Employment projections data for chemists and materials scientists, 2010-20
Occupational Title SOC Code Employment, 2010 Projected Employment, 2020 Change, 2010-20 Employment by Industry
Percent Numeric
Chemists and Materials Scientists
19-2030 90,900 94,900 4 4,000
Chemists
19-2031 82,200 85,400 4 3,200
Materials Scientists
19-2032 8,700 9,500 10 900
Similar Occupations
This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of chemists and materials scientists.
OCCUPATION JOB DUTIES ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION MEDIAN ANNUAL PAY, MAY 2010
Agricultural and Food Scientists
Agricultural and food scientists work to ensure agricultural productivity and food safety.
See How to Become One $58,450
Biochemists and Biophysicists
Biochemists and biophysicists study the chemical and physical principles of living things and of biological processes such as cell development, growth, and heredity.
Doctoral or professional degree $79,390
Chemical Engineers
Chemical engineers apply the principles of chemistry, biology, and physics to solve problems. These problems involve the production or use of chemicals, fuel, drugs, food, and many other products. They design processes and equipment for large-scale safe and sustainable manufacturing, plan and test methods of manufacturing products and treating byproducts, and supervise production.
Bachelor’s degree $90,300
Environmental Scientists and Specialists
Environmental scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment. They identify problems and find solutions that minimize hazards to the health of the environment and the population.
Bachelor’s degree $61,700
Geoscientists
Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the Earth, such as its composition, structure, and processes, to learn about its past, present, and future.
Bachelor’s degree $82,500
High School Teachers
High school teachers help prepare students for life after graduation. They teach academic lessons and various skills that students will need to attend college and to enter the job market.
Bachelor’s degree $53,230
Materials Engineers
Materials engineers develop, process, and test materials used to create a range of products, from computer chips and aircraft wings to golf clubs and snow skis. They also help select materials and develop new ways to use materials.
Bachelor’s degree $83,120
Natural Sciences Managers
Natural sciences managers supervise the work of scientists, including chemists, physicists, and biologists. They direct research and development projects and coordinate activities such as testing, quality control, and production.
Bachelor’s degree $116,020
Physicists and Astronomers
Physicists and astronomers study the fundamental nature of the universe, ranging from the vastness of space to the smallest of subatomic particles. They develop new technologies, methods, and theories based on the results of their research that deepen our understanding of how things work and contribute to innovative, real-world applications.
Doctoral or professional degree $105,430
Postsecondary Teachers
Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a wide variety of academic and vocational subjects beyond the high school level. They also conduct research and publish scholarly papers and books.
Doctoral or professional degree $62,050
Contacts for More Information
For information on career opportunities, earnings, and education for chemists and materials scientists, visit
American Chemical Society
For information on obtaining a position as a chemist with the federal government, visit
USAJOBS
This chapter provides clear insight in the current state of Physical chemists jobs - the next chapter covers how to find and apply for Physical chemists jobs.
FINDING AND APPLYING FOR Physical chemists JOBS AND EVALUATING OFFERS
Finding—and getting—a job you want can be a challenging process, but knowing more about job search methods and application techniques can increase your chances of success. And knowing how to judge the job offers you receive makes it more likely that you will end up with the best possible job.
Where to learn About Job Openings
Job Search Methods
Applying for a Job
Job Interview Tips
Evaluating a Job Offer
Where to Learn About Job Openings
Personal contacts
School career planning and placement offices
Employers
Classified ads:
National and local newspapers
Professional journals
Trade magazines
Internet resources
Professional associations
Labor unions
State employment service offices
Federal Government
Community agencies
Private employment agencies and career consultants
Internships
Job