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Occupation AtlasChemists

O*NET · 19-2031.00

Chemists

Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge.

Also called Agricultural Chemist · Air Quality Chemist · Analytical Chemist · Analytical Scientist · Assay Development Scientist · Astrochemist · Bench Chemist · Bench Scientist
61 more

Ceramic Chemist · Cereal Chemist · Chemical Analyst · Chemical Lab Scientist · Chemical Lab Scientist (Chemical Laboratory Scientist) · Chemist · Chemistry Scientist · Coal Chemist · Control Chemist · Cosmetic Chemist · Dairy Chemist · Electrochemist · Environmental Field Chemist · Field Chemist · Food Chemist · Food Processing Chemist · Forensic Chemist · Formulary Chemist · Formulation Chemist · Formulation Scientist · Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry Analyst (GCMS Analyst) · GCMS Analyst · Industrial Chemist · Inorganic Chemist · Lab Chemist · Lab Chemist (Laboratory Chemist) · Lab Pack Chemist · Lab Pack Chemist (Laboratory Pack Chemist) · Medical Chemist · Metal Analyst · Mix Chemist · Nuclear Chemist · Nutritional Chemist · Oil Expert · Organic Chemist · Patent Chemist · Pesticide Chemist · Pharmaceutical Analyst · Pharmaceutical Chemist · Pharmaceutical Scientist · Physical Chemist · Physiological Chemist · Process Chemist · Process Development Scientist · Product Development Chemist · Production Chemist · QC Chemist · QC Chemist (Quality Control Chemist) · QC Scientist · QC Scientist (Quality Control Scientist) · R and D Chemist · R and D Chemist (Research and Development Chemist) · Research Chemist · Research Scientist · Rubber Chemist · Sanitary Chemist · Scientist · Soil Chemist · Textile Chemist · Water Chemist · Wet Chemistry Analyst

Job Zone 4 — Considerable Preparation NeededHolland code IRC35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Chemical Technicians

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed

Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree plus several years of work-related experience, knowledge, or training.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

IRCInvestigative · Realistic · Conventional — the three strongest interests, in order

  • I Investigative6.71
  • R Realistic5.67
  • C Conventional4.81
  • E Enterprising1.60
  • A Artistic1.52
  • S Social1.14

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Bachelor's Degree56%
  • Post-Baccalaureate Certificate4%
  • Master's Degree10%
  • Doctoral Degree30%
Related work experience
Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years (37%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (38%)
On-the-job training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (37%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Sciencebasic4.15.1Level 6 looks like: Analyze aerodynamic systems to determine the practicality of a design
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic4.05.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Critical Thinkingbasic4.04.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Speakingbasic3.94.1Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Writingbasic3.84.6Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Mathematicsbasic3.84.5Level 4 looks like: Calculate the square footage of a new home under construction
  • Active Listeningbasic3.84.0Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Active Learningbasic3.64.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Complex Problem Solving3.64.1Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
  • Monitoringbasic3.53.9Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.33.5Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
  • Quality Control Analysis3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Assess new parts for precision and accuracy to specifications
Show the other 23
  • Systems Evaluation3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Identify the reasons why a client might be unhappy with a product
  • Systems Analysis3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Determine how a new piece of equipment will affect production rates
  • Instructing3.03.5Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
  • Time Management3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
  • Coordination3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Learning Strategiesbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Operations Monitoring3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Social Perceptiveness3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Troubleshooting2.92.6Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.83.0Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Equipment Maintenance2.82.5Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
  • Operations Analysis2.52.9Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Equipment Selection2.52.5Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Persuasion2.52.4Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Service Orientation2.52.4Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Management of Material Resources2.32.3Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Operation and Control2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Negotiation2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Repairing2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
  • Programming2.11.9Level 2 looks like: Write a program to sort objects in a database
  • Management of Financial Resources1.91.5Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Technology Design1.61.0Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
  • Installation1.0—

Tasks

12 core

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Develop, improve, or customize products, equipment, formulas, processes, or analytical methods.4.2
  2. Analyze organic or inorganic compounds to determine chemical or physical properties, composition, structure, relationships, or reactions, using chromatography, spectroscopy, or spectrophotometry techniques.4.1
  3. Induce changes in composition of substances by introducing heat, light, energy, or chemical catalysts for quantitative or qualitative analysis.4.0
  4. Compile and analyze test information to determine process or equipment operating efficiency or to diagnose malfunctions.3.9
  5. Write technical papers or reports or prepare standards and specifications for processes, facilities, products, or tests.3.9
  6. Prepare test solutions, compounds, or reagents for laboratory personnel to conduct tests.3.9
  7. Maintain laboratory instruments to ensure proper working order and troubleshoot malfunctions when needed.3.9
  8. Conduct quality control tests.3.9
  9. Confer with scientists or engineers to conduct analyses of research projects, interpret test results, or develop nonstandard tests.3.8
  10. Evaluate laboratory safety procedures to ensure compliance with standards or to make improvements as needed.3.7
  11. Direct, coordinate, or advise personnel in test procedures for analyzing components or physical properties of materials.3.6
  12. Purchase laboratory supplies, such as chemicals, when supplies are low or near their expiration date.3.4

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Chemistry4.96.0Level 7 looks like: Develop a safe commercial cleaner
  • English Language4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Mathematics3.84.6Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Production and Processing3.53.6Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
  • Administration and Management3.43.5Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Computers and Electronics3.44.3Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Administrative3.34.2Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Physics3.23.7Level 4 looks like: Calculate the speed of a falling object
Show all 33
  • Engineering and Technology3.03.4Level 4 looks like: Design a custom office chair
  • Education and Training2.73.9Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Mechanical2.72.7
  • Customer and Personal Service2.62.5Level 1 looks like: Process a customer's dry-cleaning drop off
  • Law and Government2.63.2Level 4 looks like: Prepare documents and title papers for the purchase of a new house
  • Public Safety and Security2.62.7
  • Biology2.43.0Level 4 looks like: Investigate the effects of pollution on marine plants and animals
  • Design2.12.3Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Transportation2.12.0Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Economics and Accounting2.01.4Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.01.9Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Psychology1.92.3Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Communications and Media1.82.0Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Sales and Marketing1.81.5Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Foreign Language1.71.7Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Geography1.61.5Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Philosophy and Theology1.61.2Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.50.7Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.51.0Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Food Production1.4—
  • History and Archeology1.40.8Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
  • Telecommunications1.40.6Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Building and Construction1.3—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.2—
  • Fine Arts1.1—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Deductive Reasoning4.04.9Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
  • Inductive Reasoning4.04.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Oral Comprehension4.04.9Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral Expression4.05.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Written Comprehension4.04.9Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Written Expression4.04.9Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Category Flexibility3.94.4Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Information Ordering3.94.3
Show all 52
  • Near Vision3.94.0Level 5 looks like: Read the fine print of a legal document
  • Problem Sensitivity3.94.1Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Mathematical Reasoning3.84.1Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
  • Number Facility3.64.1Level 5 looks like: Compute the interest payment that should be generated from an investment
  • Flexibility of Closure3.43.5Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
  • Speech Recognition3.33.5Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Fluency of Ideas3.13.6Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
  • Perceptual Speed3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Speech Clarity3.13.6Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Visual Color Discrimination3.13.5Level 4 looks like: Trace electrical circuits marked by various colored wires
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Finger Dexterity3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Attach small dials to audio equipment on an assembly line
  • Originality3.03.4Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
  • Selective Attention3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Visualization3.03.5Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
  • Manual Dexterity2.82.6
  • Memorization2.82.9
  • Time Sharing2.82.4Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Control Precision2.62.9Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Far Vision2.62.9Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Speed of Closure2.62.9Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Multilimb Coordination2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Trunk Strength2.32.3Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.12.3Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Auditory Attention2.02.3Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Depth Perception2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Reaction Time1.91.4Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Wrist-Finger Speed1.91.1Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Extent Flexibility1.80.9
  • Response Orientation1.81.4Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Static Strength1.81.4Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.60.8
  • Rate Control1.60.6Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Stamina1.60.6Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Dynamic Strength1.40.4
  • Gross Body Coordination1.40.5
  • Explosive Strength1.3—
  • Spatial Orientation1.1—
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—
  • Glare Sensitivity1.0—
  • Night Vision1.0—
  • Peripheral Vision1.0—
  • Sound Localization1.0—
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Documenting/Recording Information4.45.0Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Analyzing Data or Information4.24.8Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Getting Information4.14.5Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.14.6Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.14.8Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards4.04.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge4.05.6
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates3.94.9Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
Show all 41
  • Processing Information3.94.9Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.84.3Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.84.4Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.85.1Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Working with Computers3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials3.74.0Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.63.6Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.54.2Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Training and Teaching Others3.54.5Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Developing and Building Teams3.43.8Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.44.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Controlling Machines and Processes3.34.1Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Thinking Creatively3.34.4Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.24.2Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies3.23.0Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.24.0Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Coaching and Developing Others3.13.9Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Handling and Moving Objects3.13.8Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources3.03.9Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others3.03.4Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization2.92.6
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.93.6Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.94.1Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment2.73.4Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.73.3Level 4 looks like: Make a sales pitch to convince others to buy a product
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment2.62.8
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.52.6
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.52.8
  • Staffing Organizational Units2.52.8
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment2.42.4Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment2.01.7Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public1.50.9Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • E-Mail4.9
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.8
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets4.8
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.7
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.7
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.4
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.1
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.0
  • Contact With Others3.8
  • Health and Safety of Other Workers3.8

Technology

72 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (3)

  • Microsoft Excelhot
  • Microsoft Office softwarehot
  • Microsoft PowerPointhot

Hot (12; 3 more marked hot above)

  • C
  • C++
  • Extensible markup language XML
  • Hypertext markup language HTML
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Visio
  • Microsoft Visual Basic
  • Microsoft Word
  • Oracle Java
  • R
  • SAP software
  • Structured query language SQL
Other tools (57)
  • Accelrys Cerius2
  • Accelrys DeCipher
  • Advanced Chemistry Development ACD/1D nuclear magnetic resonance NMR processor
  • Agilent ChemStation
  • Apple iWork
  • Apple iWork Keynote
  • Apple iWork Numbers
  • Apple iWork Pages
  • Bruker BioSpin TopSpin
  • CambridgeSoft ChemOffice Ultra
  • Chem2Pac
  • Chemical kinetics software
  • ChemInnovation Software Chem 4-D
  • ChemSW Buffer Maker
  • ChemSW Calibration Pro
  • ChemSW Chemical Inventory System CIS
  • ChemSW Laboratory Document Control System LDCS
  • ChemSW Mass Spec Tools
  • ChemSW Molecular Modeling Pro
  • ChemSW Uncertainty Pro
  • Conversion tools software
  • Crystallography software
  • CrystalMaker
  • Density functional theory DFT software
  • Digital imaging software
  • Gas chromatograph GS software
  • Gaussian software
  • Graphics software
  • Hypercube HyperChem
  • ItemTracker
  • JDA Arthur KnowledgeBase database
  • Laboratory information management system LIMS
  • LabTrack Electronic Lab Notebook
  • Logger software
  • Minitab
  • Modeling software
  • MolDraw
  • Molecular simulation software
  • Molsearch Pro
  • MSI Insight/Discover
  • Multi-functional calculators
  • National Instruments LabVIEW
  • NeoOffice
  • Network Science IR Mentor Pro
  • Organic synthesis planning software
  • Q-Chem
  • SAS JMP
  • SciQuest PE TurboChrom
  • Siemens SHELXTL
  • Statistical software
  • Surface modeling software
  • Synthematix StructureSearch
  • UBI Biotracker
  • Vogel Scientific Software Group CALACO
  • Waters Empower Chromatography Data Software
  • Waters Millennium32
  • Wavefunction Spartan

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Chemical Engineers
  2. Biochemists and Biophysicists
  3. Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
  4. Microbiologists
  5. Materials Scientists
  6. Materials Engineers
  7. Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers
  8. Food Scientists and Technologists
  9. Industrial Engineers
  10. Natural Sciences Managers

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.