What Job Can I Get With A Chemistry Degree?- If you are seeing this article it means that you are looking for jobs you can do with your degree in chemistry either you already have your degree or you are still an undergraduate in the faculty of applied science department of chemistry and you are curious of the career path you have chosen and wants to know if there are opportunities in this path.
Well having a degree in chemistry provided opportunities for a wide range of careers in many different fields, such as business, research, healthcare and science. With a degree in chemistry, you can find a position that suits your particular interests while also earning a high paying job.
What Is Chemistry?
Chemistry according to Wikipedia is the scientific study of the properties and behavior of matter. It is a natural science that covers the elements that make up matter to the compounds composed of atoms, molecules and ions: their structure, composition, properties, behavior and the change they undergo during a reaction with other substances.
Within the scope of its subject, chemistry occupies an intermediate position between biology and physics. It is most times called the central science reason being that it provides a foundation for understanding both basic and applied scientific disciplines at a fundamental level. For instance, chemistry explains how atmospheric ozone is formed, the formation of igneous rocks (geology), the properties if the soil on the moon (Cosmo chemistry), aspects of plant growth (botany), how medications work (pharmacology), how to collect or extract DNA evidence at a crime scene (forensics) and how environmental pollutants are degrading (ecology).
Without further ado, let’s proceed…
Jobs You Can Get With A Chemistry Degree
Here are some are the some of the jobs you can get with a chemistry degree
- Chemical Technician
- Toxicologist
- Chemistry Teacher
- Water Chemist
- Analytical Chemist
- Synthetic Chemist
- Quality Control Chemist
- Organic Chemist
- Forensic Scientist
- Hazardous Waste Chemist
- Geochemist
- Oceanographer
- Materials Scientist
- Chemical Engineer
- Pharmacologist
- Chemical Technician
The primary duties of chemical technicians are to take responsibility for ensuring research chemists can efficiently and properly perform studies in a lab. They either completing items such as using techniques to help in specifics research tasks or monitoring equipment. The national average salary of a chemical technician is 17.30 per hour.
- Toxicologist
The primary duties of Toxicologists are to take responsibility for testing various tissue and blood samples to detect the presence of pharmaceuticals, alcohol, poison and other substances in the body. They sometimes help in answering questions relating to crime. The national average salary of a Toxicologist is $20.80 per hour.
- Chemistry Teacher
The primary duties of chemistry teachers are to develop and present curricula related to chemistry science. They are in charge for ensuring the effective and comprehensive transfer of knowledge to their students through lectures, tests and examinations, projects and more. The national average salary of a chemistry teacher is $26.20 per hour.
- Water Chemist
The primary duties of water chemists are to take responsibility for monitoring and studying the presence of chemicals in water. They most times perform tasks like making sure purification of water processes are safe, making projections to help determine various rules, regulations and policies and analyzing and collecting water from various ecosystems. The national average salary of a water chemist is $29.10 per hour.
- Analytical Chemist
The primary duties of analytical chemists are to study substances for developing pharmaceuticals, answer forensic questions, toxicology examinations and more. Analytical chemists often work for a specific lab or organization and mostly adopt particular specialties like toxicology and forensics.
- Synthetic Chemist
The primary duties of synthetic chemists are to test and develop chemical compounds to create new material for a specific purpose. They mainly work in a lab and can develop materials for nearly any industry including manufacturing and food, beverage and healthcare. The national average salary of a synthetic chemist is $66,950 per year.
- Quality Control Chemist
The primary duties of quality control chemists also called QC chemists are to monitor and test the use of materials during the production process to ensure all standards are met. Quality control chemists mainly work in the manufacturing or pharmaceutical fields. They sometimes also develop new products and testing methods.
- Organic Chemist
The primary duties of organic chemists are to do research, study and manipulate materials that contain carbon. They often perform various scientific studies to identify or find applications for materials. Many different professions or fields most times employ organic chemistry like veterinarians, chemical engineers, pharmaceuticals and more.
- Hazardous Waste Chemist
The primary duties of hazardous waste chemists are responsible for monitoring and managing chemical pollutants in the water and air. They mostly work for entities with bigger production and manufacturing operations to ensure processes adhere to rules and regulations. They sometimes also work to create or invent plans for better, more efficient ways for organizations to manage hazardous waste. The national average salary of a hazardous waste chemist is $69,200 per year.
- Geochemist
The primary duties of geochemists are to study the movement, appearance and effect of chemical compounds on the earth. This may involve the movement and distribution of compounds through water systems, the chemical makeup of also minerals and more. The national average salary of a Geochemist is $82,170 per year.
- Chemical Engineering
The primary duties of chemical engineers are to use different methods of research including mathematics and biology to develop and create production processes related to chemicals. They help in manufacturing products like fuel, food, pharmaceuticals and more. The national average salary of a chemical engineer is $92,780 per year.
- Pharmacologist
The primary duties of pharmacologist are to perform studies on new and existing drugs and other pharmaceuticals for their effect on both humans and animals. They study the source and chemical makeup of drugs. They carefully study the source and chemical makeup of drugs. They may be responsible for ensuring drugs are safe and adhere strictly to rules and regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
A chemistry degree can be worth it for many people because it leads to a variety of well-paid and in-demanding careers. Be also aware that university-level chemistry is a bit tough, so it is very wise to make your choice based on interest as well as future job prospects.
Overall employment of chemists is projected to grow 6% from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Approximately 8,200 openings for chemists are projected each year, on average, over the decades.
Here are the listings of some of the Postgraduate diploma courses after Bachelor in Science in Chemistry:
- MBA in Pharmaceutical ManagementMBA in Laboratory ManagementMBA in BiotechnologyPostgraduate Diploma in BiotechnologyPostgraduate Diploma in NanobiotechnologyPostgraduate Diploma in Analytical Chemistry
Final Note
What Job Can I Get With A Chemistry Degree- Chemistry is an amazing degree program to go for due to the broad opportunities open to you. It is one of the hard major and needs your full time concentration and dedication to be able to enjoy it and be the best at it. You will not regret having a degree in chemistry.
Reference(s)
sussex.ac.uk –what to do with a chemistry degree
indeed.com –finding a job top chemistry degree jobs
prospects.ac.uk –what can I do with my degree chemistry
Wikipedia.org