When you are looking for a career that will allow you to explore a variety of topics, consider a career in chemistry. To begin, it is necessary to take college-track chemistry courses. This will prepare you for college-level chemistry, and it will help you to develop a solid understanding of algebra and geometry. In addition, a good background in science will help you succeed. Listed below are the steps you need to take to get started in chemistry.
Earning potential
A degree in chemistry opens up a world of career possibilities, from science and research to business and health care. A degree in chemistry is an excellent choice for a wide range of positions, and many of these careers are well-paying. In this link, we’ll explore 15 careers that you can have with a chemistry degree. Some of these are available to bachelor’s degree holders; others require additional education.
Nicholas C Nelson says that the salaries for chemists vary considerably, depending on their education level, hard skills, and experience. The biggest firms in the world pay chemists nearly one-third more than the smallest companies. Doctorates earn around 25% more than their peers. The highest-paying jobs for chemists include R&D, production, and health and safety. The lowest-paying positions are in analytical and manufacturing services.
Degree requirements
A career in chemistry may seem like an elusive pursuit, but it isn’t impossible. Chemistry degrees open the door to a wide range of jobs, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the field will grow by 15% between 2014 and 2029. This growth will depend on the level of education and industry sector in which the student is interested. Associate-degree chemistry graduates can begin in jobs such as laboratory assistants or research technicians. More advanced degrees can lead to employment as consultants or college instructors.
To enter a career in chemistry, you should first have a strong scientific and math background. You will need to memorize a lot of formulas and analyze the information you obtain. You will also be expected to evaluate your insights and present your findings to a larger group. As a student, you should also have excellent written and oral communication skills, including the use of appropriate academic writing styles. A good English-language background is also a requirement, since you will be doing research and presenting your findings.
Salary range
The Salary Range for a Chemistry Career varies widely, but there are some key factors that affect your earning potential. Graduates with postgraduate degrees typically earn more than a doctoral level. ACS publishes salary data for doctoral graduates, and the highest-paid chemists work for the federal government. Their work affects national policies and regulations, and they conduct research. The majority of these jobs are specialized, so salaries vary by area of specialty.
Generally, a Ph.D. in chemistry will earn an individual upwards of $60,000, depending on location and industry. For example, a full-time professor might earn up to $60,000 per year, based on average. On the other end of the spectrum, chemical engineers can earn six-figure salaries in the petroleum and coal products industries. This is likely to increase over time. But while salaries for chemists are high, regional variations may make it difficult to find a job that meets your expectations.
Specialization options
If you want to pursue a career in chemistry, there are several different sub-disciplines within the field. Biochemistry deals with substances that affect living things, while inorganic chemistry studies compounds that do not contain carbon. Organic chemistry, on the other hand, focuses on substances that contain carbon. Other sub-disciplines within the field include medicinal chemistry and forensic chemistry. There are also many less known sub-disciplines, like agricultural chemistry. In the latter case, you’ll work for an agricultural chemist, which focuses on the science of food.
Advanced degrees in chemistry open the doors to many specialized roles, like scientists, engineers, and public servants. Chemistry graduates can also work for science-based research companies, like pharmaceutical and metallurgical organizations. Many people also choose to become patent attorneys, and an undergraduate degree in chemistry can prepare you for this profession. Some chemists even go on to pursue a Ph.D. degree, which further prepares them for even more roles in the field.
