Science, Tech, Math › Science Chemist Profile and Career Information Job Profile and Career Information about Chemists Share Flipboard Email Print Ryan McVay, Getty Images Science Chemistry Basics Chemical Laws Molecules Periodic Table Projects & Experiments Scientific Method Biochemistry Physical Chemistry Medical Chemistry Chemistry In Everyday Life Famous Chemists Activities for Kids Abbreviations & Acronyms Biology Physics Geology Astronomy Weather & Climate By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Chemistry Expert Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels. our editorial process Facebook Facebook Twitter Twitter Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Updated March 08, 2017 Here's a look at what a chemist is, what a chemist does, and what type of salary and career opportunities you can expect as a chemist. What Is a Chemist? What Do Chemists Do? There are a lot of different employment opportunities open to chemists. Some chemists work in a lab, in a research environment, asking questions and testing hypotheses with experiments. Other chemists may work on a computer developing theories or models or predicting reactions. Some chemists do field work. Others contribute advice on chemistry for projects. Some chemists write. Some chemists teach. The career options are extensive. More Careers in Chemistry Job Outlook for Chemists analytical chemistry Chemist Salaries federal executive branch: $88,930scientific research & development: $68,760chemical manufacture: $62,340pharmaceutical manufacture: $57,210testing laboratories: $45,730 Chemist Working Conditions Types of Chemists Organic Chemists - work with carbon and carbon-compounds, many of which come from plants or animals. Organic chemists develop drug, petrochemicals, fertilizers, and plastics.Inorganic Chemists - deal primarily with non-carbon chemistry involving metals, minerals, and electronics.Analytical Chemists - examine substances. Analytical chemists identify materials, measure quantities, and evaluate properties of elements and compounds.Physical Chemists - work primarily in the field of energy research. Physical chemists look at chemical and physical changes and examine the relationships between matter and energy. Chemist Educational Requirements in a career in chemistry Advancement as a Chemist chemist with a master's degree How to Get a Job as a Chemist studying chemistry often accept co-op positions with companies so they can work in chemistry while getting their education. These students often stay on with the company following graduation. Summer internships are another excellent way to learn whether or not a chemist and a company are a good fit for each other. Many companies recruit from campuses. Graduates can learn about jobs from college career placement offices. Chemistry jobs may be advertised in journals, newspapers, and online, though one of the best ways to network and find a position is through a chemical society or other professional organization.