Is Major Chemicals a Good Career Path? Top 10 Jobs

Are you an innovator with a chemistry degree and a knack for problem-solving? Well, welcome to the exciting world of major chemicals. 

The major chemicals industry offers a rewarding and impactful career involving advanced technology, biochemicals, and hazardous substances. It also provides opportunities to work across diverse industries.

Let's explore the top 10 jobs in major chemicals, what's required to land each one, and how much they pay.

Top 10 major chemicals jobs

The major chemicals industry transforms raw materials for various industrial and commercial applications, which is why it offers so many diverse career opportunities.

Here are some of the best-paying jobs you might consider if you want to work in major chemicals.

Top 10 jobs in major chemicals: 

1. Chemical engineer
2. Analytical chemist
3. Pharmacologist
4. Toxicologist
5. Water treatment technician
6. Analytical scientist
7. Pharmacist 
8. Materials engineer
9. Chemical operator
10. Organic chemist

 

Chemical engineer

Chemical engineers work in various industries, including food, medicine, and electronics. They create new products and improve production processes to ensure safety for workers and consumers. Their role often involves working both in and out of laboratories, collecting and studying data to enhance production efficiency and product quality. As a chemical engineer, you can be a generalist and work in various industries or earn specialization in a particular study like biotechnology or petrochemicals. 

Average salary: $106,260

Education and licensing requirements: 

• Those entering this role may need an internship or a cooperative education program to gain experience.
• A bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or a related field is the minimum educational requirement?.
• Some employers may prefer graduate-level degrees (master's or Ph.D.) and are necessary for specific roles, such as research, teaching, and administration.
• A Professional Engineer (PE) license may be required for career advancement in certain directions, including management.

Useful skills: 

• Analytical/problem-solving skills
• Effective written and verbal communication
• Adaptability and curiosity

Examples of successful chemical engineers: 

• Robert S. Langer. An American chemical engineer, scientist, entrepreneur, and inventor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is recognized for his work in biotechnology, especially in drug delivery systems and tissue engineering.
• Lodewijk van den Berg. A Dutch American chemical engineer specializing in crystal growth. He was a Payload Specialist on a 1985 Space Shuttle Challenger mission, becoming the first Dutch-born astronaut.

 

Analytical chemist

Analytical chemists use advanced equipment and methods to conduct research on different substances. They study chemical compositions and reactions of samples, contributing to various industries such as environmental sciences, oil and gas, pharmaceutical research, and forensics. This role requires a strong foundation in scientific principles and techniques to analyze and interpret chemical data.

Average salary: $80,670

Education and licensing requirements: 

• A bachelor's degree in chemistry, physics, or a related field is required for entry-level positions.
• Advanced roles, especially in research, often require a master's degree or Ph.D., with a specialization in analytical chemistry pursued during graduate education.
• Extensive lab experience obtained through work-study programs or internships is highly recommended.
• Work experience is crucial for career advancement, with managerial positions likely requiring both a Ph.D. and significant laboratory experience.

Useful skills: 

• Analytical thinking
• Research skills
• Attention to detail

Examples of successful analytical chemists: 

• Izaak Maurits Kolthoff. Known as the father of modern analytical chemistry, Kolthoff's research and teaching had an impact on advancing the field. His work transformed methods of separating, identifying, and quantifying chemical substances, making analytical chemistry a central discipline in many areas, such as clinical medicine, environmental studies, and forensics. 

 

Pharmacologist

Pharmacologists are professionals who study all aspects of pharmaceutical substances and drugs, including their history, uses, and effects. Their research focuses on improving the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases in both humans and animals. They often work as independent researchers in hospitals, universities, or biotechnology industries.

Average salary: $115,740

Education and licensing requirements: 

• Pharmacologists typically require advanced education, often a Ph.D. in pharmacology or a related field. 
• They may hold a professional doctorate such as a Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Osteopathy, or Doctor of Pharmacy degree. 
• While pharmacologists do not need a state license to practice, those working with human subjects must have a medical license. 
• Accredited residency and a doctoral degree are necessary for certification from the American Board of Clinical Pharmacology. 
• The education path to becoming a pharmacologist takes four to six years after earning a bachelor's degree.

Useful skills: 

• Critical thinking
• Knowledge of pharmaceutical regulations
• Interpersonal skills

Examples of successful pharmacologists: 

• Julius Axelrod. An American biochemist and pharmacologist who won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1970. His research significantly advanced the understanding of neurotransmitters and their role in the brain.
• Eleanor Zaimis. A noted pharmacologist who contributed significantly to the field. She was one of the first to emphasize the importance of studying the chronic effects and acute effects of low doses of drugs.

 

Toxicologist

Toxicologists study the risks and effects of potentially hazardous substances to safeguard people, animals, and the environment. They often work in research roles within the chemical industry, academia (as chemistry professors), or in forensic science.

Average salary: $84,649

Education and licensing requirements: 

• Toxicologists typically need a bachelor's degree in toxicology, biology, or chemistry. 
• Further specialization with a master's degree in pharmacology, toxicology, or a related study is common, followed by a doctoral program focusing on pharmacological research, environmental toxicology, or forensic toxicology. 
• Postdoctoral experience is often required or desired for career advancement.

Useful skills: 

• Risk assessment
• Familiarity with FDA regulations
• Project management

Examples of successful toxicologists: 

• Matthew J. Campen. A professor at The University of New Mexico, Campen was awarded the 2014 Society of Toxicology (SOT) Achievement Award for his research on airborne toxicants, which included over 65 published papers.
• B. Bhaskar Gollapudi. He received the 2014 SOT Arnold J. Lehman Award for his research in genetic toxicology, particularly for challenging the notion that there are no thresholds for genotoxic chemicals.

 

Water treatment technician

Water treatment technicians are vital in ensuring that water is safe for consumption. They are typically employed by agricultural companies, processing plants, chemical plants, large animal production farms, and government agencies. Their duties include collecting water samples, testing water quality, adjusting chemical levels, and maintaining records and reports for quality control. Their role is essential in maintaining public health and environmental standards.

Average salary: $61,804

Education and licensing requirements: 

• The position generally requires at least an associate degree in agriculture, environmental science, or natural resources. 
• Additionally, a Wastewater Operator Certification is mandatory, which may vary by state.

Useful skills: 

• Math skills
• Proficiency in using personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Knowledge of electricity 

Examples of successful water treatment technicians: 

• Kevin Shafer. Shafer has been influential in implementing green infrastructure and innovative stormwater management techniques at MMSD since 2002.
• Heidi Mottram. Under her leadership, Northumbrian Water has developed policies supporting the local economy and innovation in flood management.

 

Analytical scientist

Analytical scientists play a crucial role in a variety of fields, where they lead teams to test and analyze substances. They are involved in ensuring the safety and quality of foods and drinks, diagnosing diseases in health care, developing pharmaceutical products, and overseeing manufacturing processes to guarantee safety and efficiency. Their work is vital in a range of sectors, and they are often regulated by bodies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Average salary: $80,838

Education and licensing requirements: 

• To become an analytical scientist, a bachelor's degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or pharmacy is typically required. 
• Some positions may demand a master's degree or additional training and qualifications, especially since the FDA regulates this profession.

Useful skills: 

• Data-analysis skills
• Observation skills
• Method development

Examples of successful analytical scientists: 

• Jonathan Sweedler. Recognized as the top analytical scientist in the world on the 2021 Power List by The Analytical Scientist. He specializes in bioanalytical chemistry, focusing on methods for assaying chemistry in nanoliter-volume samples and applying these methods to study neurotransmitters and neuropeptides. 
• Rohit Bhargava. An affiliate faculty member in chemistry and Director of the Cancer Center at Illinois. His research centers on the development of novel chemical imaging technology for diagnosing and understanding tissue structure and cancer pathology. 

 

Pharmacist

Pharmacists are responsible for dispensing prescription medications and providing valuable advice to patients, doctors, and other healthcare workers about these drugs, including their dosage, side effects, and interactions. They play a crucial role in the healthcare system, ensuring that patients receive appropriate and safe medication therapies.

Average salary: $132,750

Education and licensing requirements: 

• To work as a pharmacist, one must obtain a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree and a state license. 
• Pharmacy program admission requirements vary; some programs prefer applicants with a bachelor's degree in biology, health care, or a related field. In contrast, others may admit high school graduates into a six-year program.

Useful skills: 

• Attention to detail
• Management skills
• Basic computer skills

Examples of successful pharmacists: 

• Eric Geyer, Pharm.D. Dr. Geyer is recognized for his role as a pharmacy director at The Centers for Families and Children in Cleveland, Ohio. He has been instrumental in expanding services like diabetes education and access to vital medications. 
• Sue Ojageer, Pharm.D. Dr. Ojageer's work goes beyond the traditional role of a pharmacist. Customers have praised her for her exceptional level of empathy, care, and dedication. Her achievements include being an Advisory Committee Board Member for the Collin College Pharmacy Technician Program and a functional medicine health practitioner with extensive training in precision medicine, focusing on pharmacogenomic and nutrigenomic testing.

 

Materials engineer

Materials engineers are innovators who focus on testing, processing, and selecting materials to create a wide array of new products, ranging from everyday items to sophisticated biomedical and technological devices. They study and analyze the properties and structures of various materials, such as metals, ceramics, and plastics, to develop new materials. Typically, materials scientists work in factories or research and development laboratories, often as part of a team.

Average salary: $100,140

Education and licensing requirements: 

• An entry-level job as a materials engineer typically requires at least a bachelor's degree in engineering.

Useful skills: 

• Effective speaking and writing skills
• An eye for innovation
• Failure analysis 

Examples of successful materials engineers: 

• Richard Wong. A graduate in Materials Science and Engineering from MIT, Richard Wong has made significant contributions in the field of mobile and broadband services software, as well as messaging and security applications. He has held key roles in companies like Accel Partners, Openwave, and Covad Communications.
• Sayed Khatiboleslam Sadrnezhaad. An Iranian professor of materials science and engineering, Sadrnezhaad has also served as the chancellor of the Sharif University of Technology and the Materials and Energy Research Center, contributing significantly to the field of materials engineering.

 

Chemical operator

Chemical operators primarily manage the operations of chemical plants. Their responsibilities include keeping records, aiding in process improvements, ensuring machinery is in good working order, and supervising overall plant activities.

Average salary: $82,670

Education and licensing requirements: 

• A minimum educational requirement for this role is an associate degree in chemical technology. 
• Alternatively, a bachelor's degree in business administration may also be suitable. 
• A solid understanding of chemical processes, typically gained through relevant experience, is essential.

Useful skills: 

• Problem-solving
• A strong knowledge of equipment
• Good hand-eye coordination

 

Organic chemist

Organic chemists primarily focus on research and development, particularly in the pharmaceutical and manufacturing industries. Their work involves developing new products and recreating existing ones by studying their components. Many also teach at universities, contributing to academic research and education in the field.

Average salary: $67,672

Education and licensing requirements: 

• Entry-level positions typically require a bachelor's degree. 
• For advanced research positions or management roles, a master's degree may be necessary.

Useful skills: 

• Creative thinking
• Effective communication (even with non-scientists)
• Teamwork

Examples of successful organic chemists: 

• Roger Adams. He was an influential figure in organic chemistry, known for his extensive work and research contributions. Adams is perhaps most famous for developing the Adams catalyst, which is widely used in organic synthesis, particularly hydrogenation reactions.
• Norman "Lou" L. Allinger. A well-respected organic chemist who made notable contributions to the field. Allinger's work led to the widespread application of these force fields in the field of chemistry. He was the senior author of the MM2, MM3, and MM4 molecular mechanics software packages, which have been implemented as significant tools for practicing chemists. 

Pros and cons of a career in major chemicals

Let's check out some of the advantages and drawbacks of working in the major chemicals industry so you can have a clear picture of whether or not this field is for you. 

Pros

• Diverse job opportunities. The chemical industry offers a broad range of career paths, including research, production, sales, and management. This diversity allows for various chemistry jobs catering to different interests and skill sets.
• Innovation and career growth. Working in this sector often involves cutting-edge research and development, providing opportunities for innovation and professional growth, especially at higher-level positions.
• Job security. The chemical industry is a cornerstone of the global economy, producing materials essential to countless products and services. This centrality often translates into stable job security for its workforce.
• Competitive compensation. Employees in the chemical industry tend to receive competitive salaries, especially those with specialized skills or in higher-level positions.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration. The field often involves collaboration across various scientific and engineering disciplines, offering a dynamic and intellectually stimulating work environment.
• Contribution to sustainability. There's a growing focus on developing sustainable and environmentally friendly processes and products within the industry, aligning with global efforts to address environmental challenges.

Cons

• Safety risks. Working with chemicals can pose health and safety risks, requiring strict adherence to safety protocols and regulations.
• Environmental impact. The chemical industry has historically contributed to environmental issues, such as pollution and waste management challenges. However, efforts are being made to mitigate these impacts.
• High stress levels. Some roles, especially in research and production, can be high-pressure, with demanding deadlines and significant responsibilities.
• Long working hours. Higher-level positions or roles in critical projects might demand long working hours, potentially impacting work-life balance.
• Rapid industry changes. The chemical industry is subject to rapid changes due to technological advancements and shifting regulations, which can be challenging to keep pace with.
• Specialization requirement. Many roles in the industry require specialized knowledge or skills, which might necessitate additional education or training, potentially limiting initial job options for newcomers.

What education do you need for a career in major chemicals?

If you're in high school and want a career in the major chemicals industry, you can start preparing now. Take classes in algebra, trigonometry, chemistry, physics, and computer programming. Some science programs are competitive, so these classes can be the head start you need to gain an advantage over other applicants when starting your job search. 

As for college, you can land most of the above roles with a bachelor's degree in chemistry or a related field (we'll review some examples next).

The best college majors for major chemicals jobs

Whether you've already chosen a degree program to apply for or are still debating where you may fit, the following majors are great stepping stones to take you where you want to go:

• Chemical engineering. This field of study covers broad engineering disciplines, so you'll gain a solid foundation and training that will apply to several work environments. You can also use it to pursue other degrees like medicine and pharmacology. 
• Environmental science. Environmental science touches on biology, chemistry, and geology to give insight into how human activities impact the environment. It also explores how human behavior and interactions influence nature.
• Biochemistry. Biochemistry studies living organisms at a molecular level. A biochemistry major can prepare you for various fields, like medicine, agriculture, veterinary medicine, or forensics.
• Physics. Physics teaches you about the fundamental principles and laws that govern the natural world. As a physics major, you also gain practical laboratory experience and theoretical approaches that can help you succeed in the major chemicals industry.
• Chemistry. A chemistry major teaches you the theoretical knowledge and applied laboratory skills necessary to pursue just about any major chemical role you have your eye on. It also prepares you to get a job in many industries, including food sciences, chemical testing, environmental protection, and cosmetics production.

Use College Rover to find the best school for your career in major chemicals

Your major doesn't define your success in graduating or getting your dream job. However, it's still an important part of achieving your goals - especially if you plan to enroll in a professional or doctorate program after completing your bachelor's degree. 

Set a solid foundation for your future career path by finding the best schools, programs, and social environments. With College Rover, it's easy to search for schools using all the criteria you need to find the perfect college experience.