3/13/23, 3:17 PM 72 Careers You Can Pursue with a Chemistry Degree

Careers with a Chemistry Degree

Perhaps when one thinks of what they can do

with a chemistry degree, they think, "Well, I can
go on to graduate school and become a
chemist". And yes, they can! But, that's just one
of many, many careers options with this degree!

Chemistry degree programs can provide you

with the necessary knowledge base and skill set 
to become successful in virtually any field that's
even remotely related in some way to chemistry. 


For example, chemistry graduates can be found applying their skills within the areas of
environmental consulting, medical science, scientific equipment sales, science communication,
teaching or academic research, and many, many other fields.

This careers guide contains detailed occupational information on career paths relevant to this
degree. Included are job descriptions, expected salaries, educational requirements and other
pertinent information related to these careers. We’ve also included chemistry-specific
scholarships to help you pay for school!

Will I Need a Graduate Degree?

With an undergraduate chemistry degree, there are careers you may be able to jump right into.
These are typically positions with lower levels of responsibility, often referred to as “entry-level”
jobs. Jobs with a higher degree of responsibility will often require further education, training
and/or experience to qualify for. This typically includes most teaching, research and consulting
positions.

Fortunately, if you are interested in a career that requires further education, an undergraduate
degree in this field serves as a great foundation for advanced study, in this and other graduate
and professional programs, such as Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Veterinary Medicine and
Law.

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3/13/23, 3:17 PM 72 Careers You Can Pursue with a Chemistry Degree

Careers Directly Relevant to a Chemistry Degree

The knowledge and skills you can gain by studying chemistry at the university level serve as an
excellent foundation for the following careers (not an inclusive list):

• Agricultural Chemist (https://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/chemistry-

careers/how-to-become-an-agricultural-chemist)
• Air Pollution Monitor (https://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/environmental-
science-careers/how-to-become-an-air-pollution-monitor)
• Assayer (https://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/chemistry-careers/how-to-become-
an-assayer)
• Blogger (https://www.academicinvest.com/arts-careers/journalism-careers/how-to-become-a-
blogger)
• Brewmaster (https://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/chemistry-careers/how-to-
become-a-brewmaster)
• Chemical Analyst (https://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/chemistry-careers/how-to-
become-a-chemical-analyst)
• Chemical Engineer (https://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/chemistry-careers/how-
to-become-a-chemical-engineer)
• Chemical Information Specialist (https://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/chemistry- 
careers/how-to-become-a-chemical-information-specialist)

• Chemical Oceanographer (https://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/environmental-
science-careers/how-to-become-a-chemical-oceanographer) 
• Chemical Safety Officer (https://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/chemistry-
careers/how-to-become-a-chemical-safety-officer)
• Chemical Technician (https://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/chemistry-
careers/how-to-become-a-chemical-technician)
• Chemist (https://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/chemistry-careers/how-to-become-
a-chemist)
• Clinical Chemist (https://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/chemistry-careers/how-to-
become-a-clinical-chemist)
• Clinical Data Analyst (https://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/biology-careers/how-
to-become-a-clinical-data-analyst)
• Clinical Research Associate (https://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/biochemistry-
careers/how-to-become-a-clinical-research-associate)
• Clinical Research Coordinator (https://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/biology-
careers/how-to-become-a-clinical-research-coordinator)
• Clinical Technician (https://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/biology-careers/how-to-
become-a-clinical-technician)
• Consumer Advocate (https://www.academicinvest.com/arts-careers/philosophy-careers/how-
to-become-a-consumer-advocate)
• Crime Lab Assistant (https://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/chemistry-careers/how-
to-become-a-crime-lab-assistant)
• Dentist (https://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/biology-careers/how-to-become-a-
dentist)
• DNA Analyst (https://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/biology-careers/how-to-
become-a-dna-analyst)
• Elementary School Teacher (https://www.academicinvest.com/arts-careers/education-
careers/how-to-become-an-elementary-school-teacher)

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3/13/23, 3:17 PM 72 Careers You Can Pursue with a Chemistry Degree

• Energy Engineer (https://www.academicinvest.com/engineering-careers/electrical-engineering-

careers/how-to-become-an-energy-engineer)
• Energy Policy Analyst (https://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/chemistry-
careers/how-to-become-an-energy-policy-analyst)
• Energy Researcher (https://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/chemistry-careers/how-
to-become-an-energy-researcher)
• Entrepreneur (https://www.academicinvest.com/business-careers/business-administration-
careers/how-to-become-an-entrepreneur)
• Environmental Chemist (https://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/environmental-
science-careers/how-to-become-an-environmental-chemist)
• Flavorist (https://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/chemistry-careers/how-to-become-
a-flavorist)
• Food and Drug Inspector (https://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/biology-
careers/how-to-become-a-food-and-drug-inspector)
• Food Chemist (https://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/chemistry-careers/how-to-
become-a-food-chemist)
• Food Safety Auditor (https://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/nutrition-careers/how-
to-become-a-food-safety-auditor)
• Food Scientist (https://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/nutrition-careers/how-to-
become-a-food-scientist)
• Food Technologist (https://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/nutrition-careers/how-to-
become-a-food-technologist)

• Forensic Chemist (https://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/chemistry-careers/how-to-
become-a-forensic-chemist) 
• Forensic Lab Analyst (https://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/chemistry-
careers/how-to-become-a-forensic-lab-analyst) 
• High School Teacher (https://www.academicinvest.com/arts-careers/education-careers/how-to-
become-a-high-school-teacher)
• Industrial Chemist (https://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/chemistry-careers/how-
to-become-an-industrial-chemist)
• Laboratory Manager (https://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/chemistry-
careers/how-to-become-a-laboratory-manager)
• Materials Scientist (https://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/chemistry-careers/how-
to-become-a-materials-scientist)
• Medical Laboratory Technologist (https://www.academicinvest.com/science-
careers/biochemistry-careers/how-to-become-a-medical-laboratory-technologist)
• Medical Writer (https://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/biology-careers/how-to-
become-a-medical-writer)
• Methods Development Chemist (https://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/chemistry-
careers/how-to-become-a-methods-development-chemist)
• Military Officer (https://www.academicinvest.com/arts-careers/political-science-careers/how-to-
become-a-military-officer)
• Nanotechnologist (https://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/physics-careers/how-to-
become-a-nanotechnologist)
• New Food Product Developer (https://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/nutrition-
careers/how-to-become-a-new-food-product-developer)
• Nuclear Chemist (https://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/chemistry-careers/how-to-
become-a-nuclear-chemist)
• Organic Chemist (https://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/chemistry-careers/how-to-
become-an-organic-chemist)
• Patent Agent (https://www.academicinvest.com/engineering-careers/mechanical-engineering-
careers/how-to-become-a-patent-agent)

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3/13/23, 3:17 PM 72 Careers You Can Pursue with a Chemistry Degree

• Perfumer (https://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/chemistry-careers/how-to-
become-a-perfumer)
• Pest Control Technician (https://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/biochemistry-
careers/how-to-become-a-pest-control-technician)
• Petroleum Chemist (https://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/chemistry-careers/how-
to-become-a-petroleum-chemist)
• Pharmaceutical Chemist (https://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/biochemistry-
careers/how-to-become-a-pharmaceutical-chemist)
• Pharmacist (https://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/biochemistry-careers/how-to-
become-a-pharmacist)
• Pharmacologist (https://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/biochemistry-careers/how-
to-become-a-pharmacologist)
• Pulp and Paper Chemist (https://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/chemistry-
careers/how-to-become-a-pulp-and-paper-chemist)
• Quality Control Specialist (https://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/mathematics-
careers/how-to-become-a-quality-control-specialist)
• Regulatory Affairs Manager (https://www.academicinvest.com/business-careers/management-
careers/how-to-become-a-regulatory-affairs-manager)
• Regulatory Affairs Specialist (https://www.academicinvest.com/business-careers/business-
administration-careers/how-to-become-a-regulatory-affairs-specialist)
• Research Assistant (https://www.academicinvest.com/arts-careers/philosophy-careers/how-to-
become-a-research-assistant)

• Research Chef (https://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/chemistry-careers/how-to-
become-a-research-chef) 
• Sales Representative (https://www.academicinvest.com/arts-careers/economics-careers/how-
to-become-a-sales-representative) 
• Science Advisor (https://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/biology-careers/how-to-
become-a-science-advisor)
• Science Writer (https://www.academicinvest.com/arts-careers/journalism-careers/how-to-
become-a-science-writer)
• Technical Writer (https://www.academicinvest.com/arts-careers/english-careers/how-to-
become-a-technical-writer)
• Textile Chemist (https://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/chemistry-careers/how-to-
become-a-textile-chemist)
• Toxicologist (https://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/biochemistry-careers/how-to-
become-a-toxicologist)
• University Professor (https://www.academicinvest.com/arts-careers/philosophy-careers/how-
to-become-a-university-professor)
• Wastewater Operator (https://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/environmental-
science-careers/how-to-become-a-wastewater-operator)
• Wastewater Treatment Engineer (https://www.academicinvest.com/engineering-
careers/environmental-engineering-careers/how-to-become-a-wastewater-treatment-engineer)
• Water Purification Chemist (https://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/chemistry-
careers/how-to-become-a-water-purification-chemist)
• Water Quality Analyst (https://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/chemistry-
careers/how-to-become-a-water-quality-analyst)
• Water Quality Control Manager (https://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/chemistry-
careers/how-to-become-a-water-quality-control-manager)

Please Note: Some of the above listed careers require additional education, training and/or
experience. Click on careers that are of interest to you to find out more about the qualifications
you’ll need.

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3/13/23, 3:17 PM 72 Careers You Can Pursue with a Chemistry Degree

What Types of Employers Hire Chemistry Majors?

There are many employers, across many different sectors of industry that are interested in the
skills and knowledge of chemistry majors, including:

• Cosmetics and fragrance production companies

• Computer and telecommunication companies
• Pulp and paper companies
• Consulting firms
• Pharmaceutical companies
• Municipal, regional and federal government agencies
• Universities, colleges and schools
• Hospitals & other medical organizations
• Magazines and newspapers
• Environment and pollution control firms
• Fine and heavy chemical manufacturing companies
• Food and beverage production companies
• Mining and metallurgy companies 
• Law Firms

• Oil and gas companies

• Plastic manufacturing companies
• Museums
• Engineering firms
• Industrial inspection firms
• Scientific research and development companies

Transferable Skills You Can Learn

Apart from the technical skills that are specific to a chemistry degree, you will also develop
fundamental professional skills through your studies. You can apply these skills to many careers
not directly related to the field. These skills include:

• Effective listening skills

• Presentation skills
• Data recording and analysis skills
• Competitive leadership skills
• Ability to work efficiently independently or in a team
• Organizational communication fluidity

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What Can I Do with These Skills?

You could apply these skills to a career as a lawyer, a sales representative, a research chef, a
small business owner, an advertising consultant…and the list goes on and on! There are virtually
no limits to the type of career you can pursue!

While these skills may not “get you a job” in a field outside of chemistry, they will serve as an
excellent foundation for gaining the required education, training or experience you will need to
pursue these careers.

For example, simply putting “Data recording and analysis skills” on your resume will probably not
be enough to land you a high-powered job in corporate law. On the other hand, having that skill
and applying it to studying for the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT), will help you succeed at
that test, and eventually become a lawyer.

FIND A SCHOOL >

Average Salary Levels of Chemistry Graduates

The salary you could earn with a chemistry degree varies based on a wide variety of factors, such

as:


Replay

• The type, size, and budget of your employer

• The discretion of your employer
• Your level of education and experience
• Your level of certification (if applicable)
• The region in which you work
• How much overtime you are able to work (if applicable)
• The amount of responsibility inherent in your position
• Your level of experience (it’s worth noting that people with several years worth of experience
can often earn substantially in their profession more than what’s listed below)

The salary you could earn is also highly dependent on the career field you enter. Below is an
overview of the average earnings of people in a few career fields that are relevant to a degree in
chemistry. Please note however, that the salary information listed below is meant only to serve
as a guideline. In many cases, workers in these fields can earn a much lower, or much higher
salary, than what is listed below.

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Agricultural Chemist
(See “Chemist”)

Air Pollution Monitor

(See “Chemical Technician”)

Replay

Brewmaster
Alberta: N/A 
Canada: $50,825 (Canada)
United States: N/A 


Chemical Analyst
(See “Chemist”)

Chemical Engineer
Alberta: $107,372 (ALIS)
Canada: $83,599 (indeed)
United States: $86,872

Chemical Oceanographer
Alberta: $128,940 (ALIS)
Canada: N/A
United States: $101,541 (Glassdoor)

Chemical Safety Officer

(See “Chemical Technician”)

Chemical Technician
Alberta: $62,913 (ALIS)
Canada: $45,397 (PayScale)
United States: $35,280 (indeed)

Chemist
Alberta: $79,450 (ALIS)
Canada: $52,160 (indeed)

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United States: $62,640 (indeed)

Clinical Chemist
(See “Chemist”)

Clinical Data Analyst

Alberta: $64,360 (ALIS)
Canada: N/A
United States: $75,687 (Glassdoor)

Replay


Clinical Technician
Alberta: $77,398 (ALIS) 
Canada: N/A
United States: $51,770 (BLS)

Crime Lab Assistant

Alberta: $62,913 (ALIS)
Canada: N/A
United States: $57,850 (BLS)

Dentist
Alberta: $154,564 (ALIS)
Canada: N/A
United States: $158,120 (BLS)

DNA Analyst
Alberta: $62,913 (ALIS)
Canada: N/A
United States: $57,850 (BLS)

Energy Engineer
Alberta: N/A
Canada: $91,799 (indeed)
United States:$82,839 (indeed)

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Replay

Energy Policy Analyst

Alberta: N/A
Canada: $58,882 (PayScale)
United States: $65,000 (Glassdoor)

Environmental Chemist
(See “Chemist”)


Flavorist
Alberta: N/A 
Canada: N/A/
United States: $63,545 (indeed)


Food Chemist
Alberta: $80,949 (ALIS)
Canada: N/A
United States: $71,780 (BLS)

Food Safety Auditor

Alberta: $80,949 (ALIS)
Canada: N/A
United States: $71,780 (BLS)

Forensic Lab Analyst

Alberta: $62,913 (ALIS)
Canada: N/A
United States: $57,850 (BLS)

High School Teacher

Alberta: $73,966 (ALIS)
Canada: $58,000 (PayScale)
United States: $59,170 (BLS)

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Replay

Industrial Chemist
(See “Chemist”)

Laboratory Manager
Alberta: N/A
Canada: $63,590 (PayScale)
United States: $60,174 (indeed)


Materials Scientist
Alberta: N/A 
Canada: N/A
United States: $101,910 (BLS)


Medical Laboratory Technologist

Alberta: $77,398 (ALIS)
Canada: $67,160 (Glassdoor)
United States: $51,770 (BLS)

New Food Product Developer

Alberta: N/A
Canada: $48,609 (PayScale)
United States: $72,294 (Glassdoor)

Patent Agent
Alberta: N/A
Canada: N/A
United States: $116,000 (BLS)

Perfumer
Alberta: N/A
Canada: N/A
United States: $122,084 (PayScale)

Petroleum Chemist
Alberta: N/A
Canada: N/A
United States: $89,142 (Glassdoor)

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Replay

Pharmacist
Alberta: $98,037 (ALIS)
Canada: $103,926 (Glassdoor)
United States: $124,170 (BLS)

Pharmacologist
Alberta: $84,998 (ALIS)
Canada: N/A

United States: $82,090 (BLS)

Regulatory Affairs Manager
Alberta: N/A

Canada: $82,478 (indeed)
United States: $105,290 (Glassdoor)

Research Chef
Alberta: N/A
Canada: N/A
United States: $54,443 (Glassdoor)

Sales Representative
Alberta: $62,683 (ALIS)
Canada: $61,624 (indeed)
United Sates: $60,340 (BLS)

Science Writer
Alberta: $58,979 (ALIS)
Canada: $56,634 (PayScale)
United States: $57,549 (BLS)

Textile Chemist
(See “Chemist”)

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Replay

Toxicologist
Alberta: $84,998 (ALIS)
Canada: N/A
United States: $74,631 (indeed)

Wastewater Operator
Alberta: $63,721 (ALIS)
Canada: $69,245 (PayScale)

United States: $69,444 (Glassdoor)

Water Quality Analyst
Alberta: N/A

Canada: N/A
United States: $53,460 (PayScale)

The name in brackets next to the salary data for each region is the sources from which the data was obtained.
Please note, the salary data that is sourced from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) represents
median salary figures, rather than average salary figures.

Salary Data Reference Information

ALIS: Alberta Learning and Information Service (alis.alberta.ca), sponsored by the Government
of Alberta. For an overview of their salary survey methodology, please visit here
(https://alis.alberta.ca/occinfo/survey-methodology/).
PayScale: Private organization owned by PayScale Incorporated (payscale.com). For an overview
of their salary survey methodology, please visit here
(https://www.payscale.com/about/methodology).
BLS: United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov), sponsored by the federal government of
the United States of America. For details regarding their salary survey methodology, please visit
here (https://www.bls.gov/ncs/methodology.htm).
Glassdoor: Glassdoor is a private organization owned by Glassdoor incorporated
(glassdoor.com). For an overview of their salary survey methodology, please visit here
(https://help.glassdoor.com/article/What-are-Salary-Estimates-in-Job-Listings/en_US).
Canadian Food Inspection Agency: For the career profile of “Food & Drug Inspector
(http://www.inspection.gc.ca/about-the-cfia/cfia-jobs/career-
profiles/eng/1299858033819/1299858089960)”

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Chemistry Scholarships

If you’re a chemistry major looking for help in paying for school, then you’re in luck! Our
scholarships database has Canadian and American scholarships that are specific to chemistry
(https://www.academicinvest.com/science-careers/chemistry-careers/scholarships), scholarships
for science students in general, and scholarships that are open to any field of study.

Professional Associations for Careers in the Field

To find out more about careers directly related to your chemistry degree, consult the following
professional association websites. They offer career-related information, and many have
opportunities for student membership, as well as job placement and mentoring opportunities.


Canada 
Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering (http://www.cheminst.ca/about/cic/csche)

Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists (http://www.cscc.ca/en/)
Chemical Institute of Canada (http://www.cheminst.ca)

United States
American Chemical Society (http://www.acs.org/content/acs/en.html)
American Institute of Chemical Engineers (http://www.aiche.org)
The American Institute of Chemists (http://www.theaic.org)

(/)

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