### Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Chemists and Materials Scientists Summary
                        
            
                                                        
                                                                
                        
            
            
            
                            
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                
            						
							
				                                                
                                            




            			chemists and materials scientists imageChemists and materials scientists perform experiments that require creative problem solving and detailed recordkeeping.							
						Quick Facts:     Chemists and Materials Scientists2023     Median Pay
            						$87,180     per year
										$41.91     per hourTypical Entry-Level Education
                                    Bachelor's degreeWork Experience in a Related Occupation
                                    NoneOn-the-job Training
                                    NoneNumber of Jobs, 2022
                                    95,000Job Outlook, 2022-32
                                    6% (Faster than average)Employment Change, 2022-32
                                    5,800What Chemists and Materials Scientists Do
                                                
                        
                        
Chemists and materials scientists research and analyze the chemical properties of substances to develop new materials, products, or knowledge.
            
                        Work Environment
                        
Chemists and materials scientists work in laboratories, offices, and manufacturing facilities. Most work full time.
            
                                                How to Become a Chemist or Materials Scientist
                                                
                        
To enter the occupation, chemists and materials scientists typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in chemistry or a related field. However, they may need a master’s degree or Ph.D. for some jobs, such as research positions.
            
                        Pay
                        												                            																				    														The median annual wage for chemists was $84,680 in May 2023.									                                														The median annual wage for materials scientists was $106,160 in May 2023.									                                					
						
            
                        Job Outlook
                        						
												Overall employment							of chemists and materials scientists is projected to grow							 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
						About 7,200 openings for chemists and materials scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
            			
            			 Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
						State & Area Data
                       Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for chemists and materials scientists.
            
            
						
                        Similar Occupations
                        
                                                    Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of chemists and materials scientists with similar occupations.
            
            
                        More Information, Including Links to O*NET
                        
                                               
                        Learn more about chemists and materials scientists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
 What Chemists and Materials Scientists Do 
            

			Chemists and materials scientistsMost chemists and materials scientists work as part of a team.			
Chemists and materials scientists research and analyze the chemical properties of substances to develop new materials, products, or knowledge.
Duties
Chemists and materials scientists typically do the following:
Plan and carry out research projects, such as development of products and of testing methods
Direct technicians and other staff in chemical processing and testing, including for ingredients, mixing times, and operating temperatures
Collaborate with engineers and other scientists on experiments, product development, and production processes
Prepare solutions, compounds, and reagents used in laboratory procedures
Analyze substances to determine their composition and concentration of elements
Conduct tests on materials and other substances to ensure that safety and quality standards are met
Write technical reports that detail methods and findings
Present research findings to scientists, engineers, and other colleaguesChemists and materials scientists work usually work in either basic or applied research. In basic research, chemists and materials scientists investigate the properties, composition, and structure of matter. They also experiment with combinations of elements and the ways in which they interact. In applied research, chemists and materials scientists investigate developing new products or improving existing ones, such as medications, batteries, and cleaners.
Chemists and materials scientists use computers and other laboratory equipment for modeling, simulation, and analysis. For example, chemists may use three-dimensional modeling software to study the structure and properties of complex molecules.
Most chemists and materials scientists work as part of a team that may include physicists, microbiologists, and engineers. For example, chemists in pharmaceutical research may work with biochemists and biophysicists or chemical engineers to develop new drugs and with industrial engineers to design ways to mass-produce the drugs.
Chemists may work in interdisciplinary fields, such as biochemistry or geochemistry. They also may specialize in a particular field. The following are examples of types of chemists:
***Analytical chemists*** identify elements and compounds in a substance to determine its structure, composition, and nature. They also study the interactions between parts of compounds. Some analytical chemists specialize in developing new methods of evaluation. Their research has a range of applications, including food safety and pollution control.
***Forensic chemists*** aid in criminal investigations by testing and analyzing evidence, such as DNA. These chemists work primarily in laboratories but may testify in court as expert witnesses to explain the results of their analyses.
***Inorganic chemists*** study the structure, properties, and reactions of substances that do not contain carbon, such as metals. They work to understand the behavior and the characteristics of inorganic substances, such as ceramics and superconductors, for modifying, separating, or using in products or for other purposes.
***Medicinal chemists*** research and develop chemical compounds to create and test new drug products. They also help develop and improve manufacturing processes to effectively produce new drugs on a large scale.
***Organic chemists*** study the structure, properties, and reactions of molecules that contain carbon. They also design and make organic substances for use in developing new commercial products, such as medicine and plastics.
***Physical chemists*** study how matter behaves and how chemical reactions occur. From their analyses, physical chemists may develop theories, such as how complex structures are formed, and research potential uses for new materials.
***Theoretical chemists*** investigate abstract methods that predict the outcomes of chemical experiments. Their specializations may incorporate different branches of computer science, such as artificial intelligence. Some examples of *theoretical chemists* are *computational chemists*, *mathematical chemists*, and *chemical informaticians*.
Materials scientists typically specialize in the material they work with most often. Examples include ceramics, metals, polymers, and semiconductors.
 Work Environment
			Chemists and materials scientistsChemists must wear protective clothing such as gloves and goggles when handling hazardous chemicals.			

	    
				
	
	
	
	
	
	
	    					 Chemists held about 87,100 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of chemists were as follows:
        Chemical manufacturing
                30%Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences
                21Testing laboratories
                9Federal government, excluding postal service
                7Administrative and support and waste management and remediation services
                4Materials scientists held about 7,900 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of materials scientists were as follows:
        Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences
                36%Architectural, engineering, and related services
                12Chemical manufacturing
                11Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private
                8Computer and electronic product manufacturing
                5Chemists and materials scientists typically work in laboratories and offices, where they conduct experiments and analyze their results. Some chemists and materials scientists work in industrial manufacturing facilities.
Chemists and materials scientists who work for manufacturing companies, especially ones with multiple facilities, may travel occasionally.
Injuries and Illnesses
Chemists and materials scientists may be exposed to health or safety hazards when handling certain chemicals. They wear protective clothing, such as goggles and masks, and follow safety procedures to reduce the risk of injury or illness.
Work Schedules
Most chemists and materials scientists work full time. Occasionally, they may have to work additional hours to meet project deadlines or perform time-sensitive laboratory experiments during off-hours.
 How to Become a Chemist or Materials Scientist

			Chemists and materials scientistsLaboratory experience through internships, fellowships, or work–study programs in industry is useful.			
To enter the occupation, chemists and materials scientists typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in chemistry or a related field. However, they may need a master’s degree or Ph.D. for some jobs, such as research positions.
Education
Chemists and materials scientists typically need a bachelor's degree in chemistry or a related physical science field. Some jobs require a master’s degree or Ph.D. and work experience. Chemists and materials scientists with a Ph.D. and postdoctoral experience may lead research teams.
Undergraduate chemistry programs typically require a number of courses in chemistry, most of which include a laboratory component. They also require courses in a variety of other subjects, including math, biological sciences, and physics.
Some chemistry programs offer materials science as a specialization, and some engineering programs offer a joint degree in materials science and engineering.
Graduate programs in chemistry commonly include specialization in a subfield, such as analytical chemistry or inorganic chemistry. For example, those interested in doing pharmaceutical research may choose to develop a strong background in medicinal or organic chemistry.
Combined programs, which offer an accelerated bachelor’s and master’s degree in chemistry, also are available.
Training
Laboratory equipment in the workplace is expensive and may differ from the equipment available in university laboratories. As a result, chemists and materials scientists may receive training after they are hired, with experienced chemists and materials scientists demonstrating proper use of their employers’ laboratory equipment.
Laboratory experience gained through internships, fellowships, or cooperative programs in industry is also useful.
Advancement
Chemists may advance as they gain experience, typically by receiving greater responsibility and independence in their work.
Another path to advancement is through further education. For example, Ph.D. chemists may lead research teams and take on larger, more complicated projects as they progress.
Some chemists and materials scientists advance to become natural sciences managers.
Important Qualities
***Analytical skills.*** Chemists and materials scientists need to evaluate the results of experiments to ensure accuracy in their research.
***Communication skills.*** Chemists and materials scientists must be able to convey information clearly in reports and presentations for both technical and nontechnical audiences.
***Interpersonal skills.*** Chemists and materials scientists typically work on teams and need to be cooperative. Chemists and material scientists who serve as team leaders must be able to motivate and direct others.
***Math skills.*** Chemists and materials scientists regularly use calculus, algebra, statistics, and other math for calculations.
***Organizational skills.*** Chemists and materials scientists must document processes carefully when conducting experiments, tracking outcomes, and analyzing results.
***Perseverance.***Chemists and materials scientists must persist in the trial-and-error demands of research. They must be self-motivated to avoid becoming discouraged.
***Problem-solving skills.*** Chemists’ and materials scientists’ work involves posing questions during research and finding answers through results.
***Time-management skills.***Chemists and materials scientists usually need to meet deadlines and must be able to prioritize tasks while maintaining quality.
 Pay

			



	
 
                                                     
            
    
                        Chemists and Materials ScientistsMedian annual wages, May 2023Materials scientists$106,160  Physical scientists$89,350  Chemists and materials scientists$87,180  Chemists$84,680  Total, all occupations$48,060Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
 

	
	



		
	
	
	
The median annual wage for chemists was $84,680 in May 2023. 


The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $52,950, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $149,550.The median annual wage for materials scientists was $106,160 in May 2023. 


The lowest 10 percent earned less than $64,130, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $170,900.





		
	    					 In May 2023, the median annual wages for chemists in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Federal government, excluding postal service
                $128,020Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences
                103,130Chemical manufacturing
                80,840Testing laboratories
                63,730Administrative and support and waste management and remediation services
                60,630In May 2023, the median annual wages for materials scientists in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Computer and electronic product manufacturing
                $140,180Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences
                118,860Chemical manufacturing
                98,360Architectural, engineering, and related services
                85,840Colleges, universities, and professional schools; state, local, and private
                82,010Most chemists and materials scientists work full time. Occasionally, they may have to work additional hours to meet project deadlines or perform time-sensitive laboratory experiments during off-hours.
 Job Outlook

   
        
    
          
        
    
                      Chemists and Materials ScientistsPercent change in employment, projected 2022-32Chemists6%  Chemists and materials scientists6%  Physical scientists5%  Materials scientists5%  Total, all occupations3%Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
            
            
			 
	
	
	

			Overall employment				of chemists and materials scientists is projected to grow				 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
			
			About 7,200 openings for chemists and materials scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
			
			 Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
			Employment
	
			
Demand for chemists and materials scientists is expected to stem from innovations in a variety of research areas, including nanotechnology and biomaterials.
Chemists will be needed to develop improved products and processes, such as new medicines and methods for ensuring food safety. Materials scientists will be needed to research and develop affordable, safe, high-quality materials for electronics, energy, transportation, and other uses.
			

                        Employment projections data for     chemists and materials scientists, 2022-32
                Occupational Title
                        SOC Code
                        Employment, 2022
                        Projected Employment, 2032
                        Change, 2022-32
                        Employment by IndustryPercent
                        NumericSOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program**Chemists and materials scientists**
			19-2030
			95,000
			100,800
			6
			5,800
			Get data**Chemists**
			19-2031
			87,100
			92,500
			6
			5,400
			Get data**Materials scientists**
			19-2032
			7,900
			8,300
			5
			400
			Get data
 State & Area Data **Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)** The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Chemists
					Materials scientists **Projections Central** Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved. **CareerOneStop** CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.
 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
                2023     MEDIAN PAY**Biochemists and Biophysicists**
            Biochemists and biophysicists study the chemical and physical principles of living things and of biological processes.
            Doctoral or professional degree
            $107,460**Chemical Engineers**
            Chemical engineers apply the principles of chemistry, physics, and engineering to design equipment and processes for manufacturing products such as gasoline, detergents, and paper.
            Bachelor's degree
            $112,100**Chemical Technicians**
            Chemical technicians conduct laboratory tests to help scientists analyze the properties of materials.
            Associate's degree
            $56,750**Environmental Scientists and Specialists**
            Environmental scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health.
            Bachelor's degree
            $78,980**Forensic Science Technicians**
            Forensic science technicians aid criminal investigations by collecting and analyzing evidence.
            Bachelor's degree
            $64,940**Geoscientists**
            Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the Earth.
            Bachelor's degree
            $92,580**High School Teachers**
            High school teachers teach academic lessons and various skills that students will need to attend college and to enter the job market.
            Bachelor's degree
            $65,220**Materials Engineers**
            Materials engineers develop, process, and test materials used to create a wide range of products.
            Bachelor's degree
            $104,100**Natural Sciences Managers**
            Natural sciences managers plan, supervise, or coordinate research and other activities in fields such as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, and statistics.
            Bachelor's degree
            $157,740**Postsecondary Teachers**
            Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a variety of academic subjects beyond the high school level.
            See How to Become One
            $84,380
 Contacts for More Information
								
For information on career opportunities, earnings, and education for chemists and materials scientists, visit
American Chemical Society
American Chemistry Council
ASM International
Materials Research Society
For more information about certified degree programs in chemistry, visit
American Chemical Society Committee on Professional Training
For information about academic programs in green chemistry, visit
American Chemical Society Green Chemistry Academic Programs
To find job openings for chemists and materials scientists in the federal government, visit
USAJOBS
CareerOneStop
For a career video on chemists, visit
Chemists

                                                
                                                        
                                                                                                    O*NET
                                        ChemistsMaterials Scientists
 Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.  Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Chemists and Materials Scientists, 
        	 at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/chemists-and-materials-scientists.htm (visited *May 21, 2024*).
 **Last Modified Date:**
                        Wednesday, April 17, 2024


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