What Chemists do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Chemists this way: "Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Analyze organic or inorganic compounds to determine chemical or physical properties, composition, structure, relationships, or reactions, using chromatography, spectroscopy, or spectrophotometry techniques"; "Develop, improve, or customize products, equipment, formulas, processes, or analytical methods"; "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"; "Direct, coordinate, or advise personnel in test procedures for analyzing components or physical properties of materials".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is bachelor's degree.
Job outlook for Chemists
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 84,900 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 90,300 in 2035, an increase of 5,400 jobs (+6.4%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 5,900 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 6.9% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $91,240, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Chemists earn the most
Across the 2 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $86,357 in New York to $88,707 in New Jersey, a gap of $2,349 (1.03 times). 0 of those 2 states average above the BLS national median of $91,240 and 2 average at or below it.
New Jersey employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 12,190, which is 60.1% of the 20,290 counted across them. New York follows with 8,100.
Highest-paying states
New Jersey ($88,707) and New York ($86,357) lead the ranking, while New York ($86,357) and New Jersey ($88,707) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Frequently asked questions about Chemists
What is the national median wage for Chemists?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $91,240. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $86,357 to $88,707.
Which state pays Chemists the most?
New Jersey, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $88,707. New York is next at $86,357.
What is the job outlook for Chemists?
BLS projects employment to grow by 6.4% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 5,900 openings a year.
What education do Chemists need?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree, according to BLS.