DETAILED OCCUPATION DATA
19-2031 Chemists
Occupational Description:
Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge. Excludes "Biochemists and Biophysicists" (19-1021) and "Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers" (19-2042).| Percentiles | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geography | Employment | Emp SE* | Mean | Mean SE* | 10th | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th |
| Minneapolis-St Paul-Bloomington MN-WI MSA | 1,680 | 89 | $44.65/hr | $1.12/hr | $26.45/hr | $32.84/hr | $42.40/hr | $55.60/hr | $65.48/hr |
| Minnesota | 1,910 | 92 | $43.91/hr | $1.01/hr | $26.13/hr | $32.25/hr | $41.29/hr | $54.65/hr | $64.65/hr |
| U S | 83,530 | 1,921 | $40.88/hr | $0.41/hr | $21.59/hr | $27.73/hr | $37.71/hr | $50.84/hr | $64.94/hr |
| *SE = Standard error, a measure of the statistical reliability of the estimate. | |||||||||
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| Occupation (click title for details) | OES | Projections | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employment | Median Wage | % Change - | |
| Chemical Technicians | 1,280 | $23.60/hr | N/A |
| Chemical Plant and System Operators | 810 | $25.94/hr | N/A |
| Materials Scientists | 60 | $39.84/hr | N/A |
Tasks for Chemists
- Analyzes organic and inorganic compounds to determine chemical and physical properties, composition, structure, relationships, and reactions, utilizing chromatography, spectroscopy, and spectrophotometry techniques.
- Develops, improves, and customizes products, equipment, formulas, processes, and analytical methods.
- Studies effects of various methods of processing, preserving, and packaging on composition and properties of foods.
- Confers with scientists and engineers to conduct analyses of research projects, interpret test results, or develop nonstandard tests.
- Prepares test solutions, compounds, and reagents for laboratory personnel to conduct test.
- Directs, coordinates, and advises personnel in test procedures for analyzing components and physical properties of materials.
- Writes technical papers and reports and prepares standards and specifications for processes, facilities, products, and tests.
- Compiles and analyzes test information to determine process or equipment operating efficiency and to diagnose malfunctions.
- Induces changes in composition of substances by introducing heat, light, energy, and chemical catalysts for quantitative and qualitative analysis.
