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Career Opportunities in Chemistry

Employers of the chemistry profession include schools and institutions of higher education, governmental agencies, business and industry.  Whether you specialize in research chemistry and deal with the nature of matter or in the practical application of experimental results to situations such as pollution or soil analysis, the profession is rewarding and challenging.  The BA (chemistry or biochemistry options) is excellent preparation for a range of programs in the health professions leading to careers in such areas as medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and osteopathy.  Specific careers include medical technology, pharmacology, forensics, materials analysis, teaching, scientific writing, museum work, patent law, industrial hygiene, toxicology, and chemical sales.

Employment and Salary Outlook

Chemists are widely employed in private industry, government, and education. Traditional chemical employers such as chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturers will need workers to replace an aging workforce. Increased opportunities in biotechnical and environmental companies are likely in the upcoming years, as are positions in defense and national security related fields. There is a continued shortage of qualified secondary science teachers, and many faculty members at Community Colleges and Universities will be retiring in the next decade.

Salaries for chemists, particularly in the private sector, continue to be very competitive even when the economy is weak.

Below are links to site with career information and job listings:

Chemical and Engineering News: Chemjobs

ACS Career Management and Development Site

CSUSB Career Center

Chemistry and Biochemistry Job Board

Here are some of the fields where chemistry majors find employment:

  • Chemist
  • Assayer
  • Water purification chemist
  • Chemical lab technician
  • Biochemist
  • Technical writer
  • Sales reps
  • Health administrator
  • Teacher
  • Food/Drug inspector
  • Materials scientist
  • Environmental scientist
  • Criminologist
  • Pharmacologist
  • Pharmacist
  • Dentist
  • Physician
  • Geochemist
  • Clinical chemist
  • Veterinarian
  • Medical librarian