Chemist
Thomas Lopez
Work Description
The worker will use chemicals and combine them to make chemical reactions then study the product's molecules.
Work Conditions
You will be working in a laboratory surrounded by chemicals, most of which are toxic. You will need to be decontaminated after work in the lab for safety.
Wage and Salary
On average, a chemist makes at least $65k a year. The starting wage is usually around $50k-$55k and the highest payment is around $90k-$95k.
Characteristics Needed?
For this job, you will need to persistent and hard working, enjoy science and math, specifically: chemistry, biology, geometry, algebra and calculus. Also, you will need to be able to lead a group/be a good leader in-case you are leading a project.
Educational Background
To become a chemist, you will, at the minimum, need a Bachelor's degree in chemistry. To achieve the maximum pay in this job, you will need a Master's degree or Ph.D in chemistry.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Some of the advantages of being a chemist is they get paid a lot of money for starting wage if you have a Ph.D in chemistry. Also, chemists get benefits such as days off, extra pay if you work overtime, paid vacation time and insurance is paid for.
Career Ladder
To prepare for this job in high school, you will need to take chemistry, (as many classes as there are: Chemistry I, Chemistry II, etc.), an advanced math class, such as AP Algebra, AP Calculus, or any other class that can help with your career. After high school, it would be best to travel around your city and look for chemical plants and see if they could allow you to look around and observe how people work and what they do. In college, of course, you would have to major in chemistry and calculus/geometry.
Employment Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the outlook for chemists are increasing by 6% (slower than average). This means that the chances of the job being taken are slim.
Related Occupations
Any kind of job that is related with science and math would be a good second choice for a job, such as a biologist, botanist, anatomist, engineer, or mathematician.
Career Cluster
This career belongs to the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, or STEM cluster.