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Chemists

Life, Physical, and Social Science (19-2031)
Bright Outlook

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

At a Glance

Chemists earns a median of $84,150/yr with +4.9% projected growth. Typical entry: Bachelor's degree. Top skills: Dependability, Chemistry, R.

Median Annual Wage

$84,150/yr

Projected Growth (2024-34)

+4.9%

Annual Openings

6

Typical Education

Bachelor's degree

Skills & Requirements

Skills (12)

Science

Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

4.1
Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

4.0
Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

4.0
Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

3.9
Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

3.8
Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

3.8
Mathematics

Using mathematics to solve problems.

3.8
Complex Problem Solving

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

3.6
Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

3.6
Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

3.5
Judgment and Decision Making

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

3.3
Quality Control Analysis

Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

3.3

Knowledge (7)

Chemistry

Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

4.9
English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

4.0
Mathematics

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

3.8
Production and Processing

Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

3.5
Computers and Electronics

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

3.4
Administration and Management

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

3.4
Administrative

Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.

3.3

Abilities (14)

Written Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

4.0
Deductive Reasoning

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

4.0
Inductive Reasoning

The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

4.0
Oral Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

4.0
Written Comprehension

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

4.0
Oral Comprehension

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

4.0
Category Flexibility

The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

3.9
Problem Sensitivity

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

3.9
Information Ordering

The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

3.9
Near Vision

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

3.9
Mathematical Reasoning

The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.

3.8
Number Facility

The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.

3.6
Flexibility of Closure

The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.

3.4
Speech Recognition

The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

3.3

Technology (14)

R

Category: Object or component oriented development software | Hot Technology

4.5
SAP software

Category: Enterprise resource planning ERP software | Hot Technology

4.5
Oracle Java

Category: Object or component oriented development software | Hot Technology

4.5
Hypertext markup language HTML

Category: Web platform development software | Hot Technology

4.5
Extensible markup language XML

Category: Enterprise application integration software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Excel

Category: Spreadsheet software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Access

Category: Data base user interface and query software | Hot Technology

4.5
C

Category: Development environment software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Word

Category: Word processing software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Visual Basic

Category: Development environment software | Hot Technology

4.5
Structured query language SQL

Category: Data base user interface and query software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Visio

Category: Process mapping and design software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft PowerPoint

Category: Presentation software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Office software

Category: Office suite software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5

Work Activities (21)

Documenting/Recording Information

Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

4.4
Analyzing Data or Information

Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

4.2
Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

4.1
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

4.1
Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

4.1
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards

Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

4.0
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

4.0
Processing Information

Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

3.9
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

3.9
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others

Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

3.8
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

3.8
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

3.8
Working with Computers

Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

3.8
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

3.7
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information

Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

3.6
Training and Teaching Others

Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

3.5
Scheduling Work and Activities

Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

3.5
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People

Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

3.4
Developing and Building Teams

Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

3.4
Controlling Machines and Processes

Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

3.3
Thinking Creatively

Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

3.3

Work Styles (3)

Dependability

A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.

5.0
Attention to Detail

A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.

4.3
Integrity

A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

3.6

Careers with Overlapping Skills

These occupations share the most skills. A career transition between them means many of your skills transfer directly.

Explore Key Skills

Frequently Asked Questions

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