Occupation · SOC 19-2031
Chemists
Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge.
Median wage
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Projected growth
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—
Annual openings
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per year
Employed (US)
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Job Zone 4
Typical preparation
Considerable preparation
Stackable credential programs
688 mapped
Core skills
ScienceCritical ThinkingReading ComprehensionSpeakingActive ListeningWritingMathematicsComplex Problem Solving
Knowledge areas
ChemistryEnglish LanguageMathematicsProduction and ProcessingComputers and Electronics
Technology & tools
Analytical or scientific softwareOffice suite softwarePresentation softwareSpreadsheet softwareWord processing software
Representative tasks
Develop, improve, or customize products, equipment, formulas, processes, or analytical methods.Analyze organic or inorganic compounds to determine chemical or physical properties, composition, structure, relationships, or reactions, using chromatography, spectroscopy, or spectrophotometry techniques.Induce changes in composition of substances by introducing heat, light, energy, or chemical catalysts for quantitative or qualitative analysis.Conduct quality control tests.Write technical papers or reports or prepare standards and specifications for processes, facilities, products, or tests.Maintain laboratory instruments to ensure proper working order and troubleshoot malfunctions when needed.Prepare test solutions, compounds, or reagents for laboratory personnel to conduct tests.Compile and analyze test information to determine process or equipment operating efficiency or to diagnose malfunctions.Confer with scientists or engineers to conduct analyses of research projects, interpret test results, or develop nonstandard tests.Evaluate laboratory safety procedures to ensure compliance with standards or to make improvements as needed.Direct, coordinate, or advise personnel in test procedures for analyzing components or physical properties of materials.Purchase laboratory supplies, such as chemicals, when supplies are low or near their expiration date.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Standard analytical techniques (HPLC, GC, FTIR, UV-Vis) — operate per SOP under a senior chemist's review.Reagent prep and titration — perform to method on a QC lab bench.Lab safety (PPE, hood etiquette, MSDS) — apply consistently in a multi-chemist environment.Sample receiving and chain of custody — maintain accurately for routine commercial work.Calibration runs and check standards — schedule and document on assigned instruments.Glassware cleaning and instrument maintenance — execute per the lab's recurring schedule.Lab notebooks and electronic batch records — maintain auditably for assigned methods.Routine statistical comparisons and outlier rules — apply to standard datasets.Solvent waste and chemical disposal — segregate and label per RCRA-compliant procedure.Method-of-analysis documentation — read, follow, and flag deviations to a supervisor.
developing
Method development and validation — execute against ICH Q2 or USP guidelines on a defined product line.Synthesis at the gram scale — plan, run, and characterize routinely in an R&D lab.NMR, MS, and chromatography data — interpret independently on standard substrate classes.Out-of-specification investigations — lead under a senior chemist's review with documented root cause.Process chemistry transfers — support from R&D to pilot under a GMP framework.Junior analysts and interns — train on routine analyses in a QC environment.Stability studies (ICH conditions) — pull and analyze on a recurring schedule.Equipment qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) — execute on a defined chromatographic system.Technical reports and Certificates of Analysis — author for routine commercial work.Continuous-improvement initiatives — propose and shepherd through QA in a regulated lab.
proficient
Analytical strategy for a product portfolio — design and defend across regulatory submissions.Process development from milligram to kilogram — lead through campaign planning and impurity control.Method transfers across sites — author, execute, and reconcile with site QA partners.Regulatory submissions (CMC, IND, NDA sections) — author analytical and stability sections.Out-of-trend and OOS escalations — lead investigations across QC and manufacturing.Senior analysts and method-development chemists — supervise across a small team.Audit responses (FDA, EMA, customer) — lead with documented CAPAs and SOP updates.Synthetic route selection and IP landscaping — propose for development candidates.Cross-functional engagement with formulation, regulatory, and manufacturing — lead at project level.Continuous-process verification (CPV) plans — design and steward in a GMP environment.
advanced
Analytical and quality strategy for a company or major site — set direction across multiple portfolios.Process-chemistry platforms (e.g., continuous flow, biocatalysis) — build and scale across product lines.Regulatory inspections and warning-letter responses — lead at the executive level with agency interlocutors.Talent development across the chemistry organization — own succession, calibration, and promotion.External partnerships (CROs, CDMOs, academic groups) — negotiate and steward through long-term engagements.Innovation portfolios and IP strategy — prioritize across research, development, and manufacturing.Cross-site quality systems and harmonization — institutionalize across legacy and new sites.Disciplinary norms and standards bodies — contribute through ACS, USP, or ICH committees.Sustainability and green-chemistry programs — set targets and report against credible benchmarks.Scientific communication and recruitment — represent the company in conferences, press, and partnerships.
Also known as
102 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
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