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 “Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers" (19-2042) and "Biochemists and Biophysicists" (19-1021).| Percentiles | |||||||||
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| Geography | Employment | Emp SE* | Mean | Mean SE* | 10th | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th |
| Minnesota | 1,940 | 128 | $44.44/hr | $3.20/hr | $23.64/hr | $32.22/hr | $45.19/hr | $56.57/hr | $67.91/hr |
| U S | 84,950 | 1,784 | $37.46/hr | $0.34/hr | $20.02/hr | $25.65/hr | $34.97/hr | $46.86/hr | $58.77/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 2010 - 2020 | |
| Chemical Technicians | 1,040 | $22.64/hr | 8.3% |
| Agricultural and Food Science Technicians | 720 | $18.55/hr | 2.3% |
| Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health | 480 | $20.67/hr | 17.4% |
| Chemical Plant and System Operators | 110 | $18.49/hr | 14.0% |
| Materials Scientists | 20 | $51.08/hr | -7.5% |
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.