Hazardous Material Management Chemist
How much do they get paid?
- Low Range: $18,500 per year
- High Range: $134,000 per year
- Median Pay: $61,185 per year
What do they do?
Hazardous material management chemists are responsible for ensuring that their company follows the laws, rules, and regulations regarding handling hazardous materials.
These chemists work both independently and as part of a larger team to test, safely store, and dispose of these materials to protect others within the community.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Employers usually prefer candidates with a bachelors degree in chemistry or chemical engineering. Some institutions may require a masters degree to ensure that candidates have the necessary knowledge base needed to perform the job effectively and efficiently.
These chemists should be able to:
- Perform chemical analysis.
- Comfortably present their findings and recommendations clearly and confidently.
- Effectively communicate scientific data across cultures and with people who do not necessarily have a background in science.
Whos hiring for these jobs?
These chemistry professionals typically work in manufacturing or waste management facilities, although they may also be found in government agencies or educational institutions.
Whats the best way to get this job?
Should you become a hazard materials management chemist?
Famous People Who Studied Biochemistry
Associate Degree In Chemistry
To earn an associate degree in chemistry, students must complete approximately 60 credits. This process takes most full-time students two years, although learners can expedite graduation by enrolling in an accelerated online program. These intensive tracks let students take classes throughout the year to graduate in significantly less time.
Course topics include general and organic chemistry, physics, and applied calculus. Students also learn methods of instrumental and chemical analysis.
Many students earn their associate degree at a local community college, taking advantage of lower tuition costs. These learners can also save money on housing by living at home. Two-year schools typically maintain articulation agreements with state universities, allowing graduates to seamlessly transfer into a relevant bachelor’s program.
What Can You Do With an Associate in Chemistry?
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Chemistry Careers In Research
Chemistry graduates have much scope to use their knowledge in a range of research sectors, including roles within chemical engineering, chemical and related industries, healthcare and more. Research careers are more diverse than they might first appear, as there are many different reasons to conduct research and many possible environments. You could be based in a university, combining research with teaching in a pharmaceutical company, working on developing and trialing new drugs or in a public-sector research center, helping to ensure national healthcare provision keeps pace with new discoveries.
While the job of a research scientist varies, most chemistry careers in research are based in laboratories, where research is conducted by teams following scientific methods and standards.
Some examples of the diverse research done by chemistry experts include discovery of new medicines and vaccines, forensic analysis for criminal cases, improving understanding of environmental issues, and development of new chemical products and materials .
But chemistry careers dont begin and end in the lab there are also many career paths for those who want to work elsewhere. Read on for a range of non-research careers in chemistry
Are You Ready To Discover Your College Program
A chemistry degree can open up rewarding professional pathways in the life, physical, and social sciences.
The chemistry field challenges professionals to develop improvements to medicines, manufacturing processes, and health and safety measures. Students interested in problem-solving, chemical properties, and critical analysis will find exciting and rewarding professions in chemistry. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported an annual median salary of $77,630 for chemists in 2019.
COVID-19 hurt many careers in chemistry, but the pandemic also demonstrated the importance of the field, particularly for those working in pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and medical research industries.
This guide explores what a chemistry degree can offer students, including information on potential careers in chemistry and required education for employment.
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Career In Business Or Management
Sylvain Sonnet / Getty Images
Chemistry or engineering degree works wonders with an MBA, opening doors into the management of labs, engineering firms, and industry. Chemists with a nose for business may start their own companies or work as sales representatives or technicians for instrument companies, consulting firms, or pharmaceutical companies. The science/business combo is extremely employable and powerful.
Popular Careers That Require Chemistry Degrees
This article has been approved by an Indeed Career Coach
Earning a degree in chemistry provides opportunities for a wide variety of careers in many different fields, including science, research, business and health care. With a chemistry degree, you can find a position that suits your particular interests while also earning a high salary.
In this article, we explore 15 examples of jobs you can get with a chemistry degree, in order from lowest to highest in earning potential. While some of these positions are available to those with a bachelors degree, others might require additional certifications or education.
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How To Become A Forensic Chemist
Here is a step-by-step guide to becoming a forensic chemist.
Step One: Graduate from High School
To get accepted into a reputable college or university, high school students are encouraged to take as many courses as possible in mathematics, science, and public speaking. In addition, students who want to stand out to college admissions committees should consider participating in extracurricular activities such as science fair projects focused on forensic science and volunteer activities to gain teamwork experience.
Step Two: Apply to an Accredited Bachelors Degree Program
The American Academy of Forensic Sciences keeps a list of forensic science educational programs. Forensic chemists typically choose to major in natural sciences or specialized forensic science bachelors degree programs.
The Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission maintains a list of accredited forensic chemistry programs. The mission of FEPAC is to maintain and enhance the quality of forensic science education through formal evaluation and recognition of college-level academic programs. Forensic chemistry programs accredited by FEPAC have met rigorous accreditation standards for undergraduate and graduate study, which gives prospective students and employers confidence in the quality of educational programs offered.
Step Three: Earn a Bachelors Degree from an Accredited Forensic or Natural Science Program
Step Four: Apply to an Accredited Masters Degree Program
Explore Careers & Build Networks
Career Exploration 101
Informational Interviews
Informational interviews are a great way to connect with professionals in a career area of interest and gain valuable insights about a particular career, company, or industry that would otherwise be difficult to find in books or online. Check out our tip sheet to learn more.
Alumni Profiles
Check out our Alumni Profiles page with submissions from UTM grads to find out how their experiences have affected their career direction.
Events
Attending career panels, networking events, employer info sessions, and career fairs is a great way to meet professionals and learn more about careers, companies, and industries. Login to CLN and click on Events & Workshops to see what’s coming up.
Talk to Professors
Connecting with your professors can be a great way to explore the different paths a major can lead you to, as well as learn about possible opportunities for research, volunteering, or becoming a TA. Drop by during their office hours or request an appointment.
Student Organizations
Join a student club or an academic society at UTM to meet like-minded people, explore your interests, and make valuable connections. To view a list of current clubs and societies, visit the Centre for Student Engagement’s website. Some organizations you may consider are:
- Erindale Society of Chemical & Physical Sciences
- Forensics Society
- Health Out Loud at UTM
- Pre-Medical Club
Professional Associations
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How Is A Chemistry Program Different From Other College Majors
A unique aspect of learning for undergraduate chemistry students is the exposure to a variety of subdivisions within chemistry, including physical chemistry, analytical chemistry, organic and inorganic chemistry, and biochemistry. These courses provide insight and awareness into what makes up matter, how different matter interacts, and how these interactions can be applied to create new substances and solve practical problems.
Review Your Resume And Cover Letter
When applying for new positions, consider revising your resume and cover letter to show your chemistry skills. Consider including skills such as analytical thinking, research and observation skills. If you are a recent graduate, you may include your education experience, internship roles and volunteer positions in your professional experience section if necessary. Also, consider including information about your thesis, research publications and awards to help show a hiring manager your chemistry experience and talents.
Related:How to List Publications on a Resume or CV
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Biotech Or Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
If you are interested in biochemistry, but you arent interested in pursuing a job in an explicitly scientific field, you might consider becoming a sales representative for a pharmaceutical or biotech company. Sales representatives work on behalf of a pharmaceutical or biotechnology company to sell their products, whether it be medications or medical devices, to doctors, physicians and hospitals. Becoming a sales representative only requires a bachelors degree, though many pursue additional education as well.
Median annual wage: $78,830
Common entry-level degree: Bachelors degree
Likelihood that robots will take your job:25%
What Jobs Can You Get With Bachelor Of Arts In Chemistry
Related
A bachelor of arts degree in chemistry is a four-year college degree that focuses on how atoms and molecules behave and interact. However, undergraduate programs that lead to a B.A. in chemistry may be less specialized than those that lead to a bachelor of science degree.
This makes chemistry a good choice for students who want to work in non-scientific chemistry B.A. jobs that require specialized scientific knowledge learned through chemistry major courses. As a result, these majors may find themselves on a variety of career paths after graduation, according to the University of South Florida, or USF.
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Need Help Getting Through Chemistry Class
Even top students can struggle to get through Intro to Chemistry. To help students stay on track, OneClass is offering on-demand Booster Classes, a helpful online study companion.
When you sign up for the Chemistry 1 Booster Class, you’ll get access to video lessons for all Chemistry 101 topics. Each skill is taught three different ways so students can choose the best approach for their learning style.
The AI-powered learning platform automatically adapts to help students perform their best. Through sequences of lectures, practice, exercise and tests, students can spend more time studying the topics they’re struggling with and less time on topics they’ve mastered. Students can even get help from a chemistry tutor when they have questions. Learn more about how OneClass can help you improve your chemistry grades.
image attribution: Pixel-Shot – stock.adobe.com
Where To Begin Your Career After Getting A Chemistry Degree
As if choosing the degree werent hard enough, youre eventually going to have to choose a career path which holds its own circus of questions. A chemistry degree is a golden key that grants access to seemingly infinite professional possibilities.
Take time and think about your experiences. What did you enjoy most about your studies? What experiments or research truly intrigued you? What bridges the divide between who you are as a person and who you are a student? If you had the chance to do an internship, what did you value about it? Who did you meet?
Start developing a sense of what you want. Look at your network. See who among your contacts might have access to companies, laboratories or roles that fit your passion point. Use your honed study skills to become an expert of the search. The key is to analyze the market and find a way to turn yourself into a category expert that will easily differentiate yourself from all other candidates seeking a position in your chosen category.
Become a student of your quest to find fit, and invite input starting with your own sense of what you want and then expanding out to your network.
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Chemistry Careers In Chemical Engineering
Chemical engineers work across a number of sectors, including oil and gas, energy, water treatment, plastics, toiletries, pharmaceuticals and food and drink. Processes differ within each of these areas, but chemistry and chemical engineering roles are found throughout, and are directly involved in the design, development, creation and manufacturing process of chemical products and materials. Researchers are common within chemical engineering and are often tasked with creating and developing new chemical techniques, frequently combining other advanced and emerging scientific areas such as nanotechnology or biomedical engineering.
Chemical engineers ensure the efficiency and safety of chemical processes, adapt the chemical make-up of products to meet environmental or economic needs, scale up chemical processes for manufacturing purposes, and apply new technologies to improve existing processes. Its worth bearing in mind that although those who study chemistry at undergraduate level are good candidates, many more engineering-related and specialized roles will be reserved for engineering graduates and postgraduates.
Forensic Chemist Salary By Years Of Experience & Sector
Salary data from PayScale.com reports average annual salary data, based on years of experience, for professionals working in forensic chemist positions as:
- Entry-level : $50,937
- Early-career : $49,409
- Mid-career : $60,000
- Experienced: : $55,000
Here is a list of average annual salaries for the top-paying industries for forensic science technicians :
- Federal government : $120,780
- General medical and surgical hospitals: $75,720
- Architectural, engineering, and related services: $66,040
- Local government, excluding education and hospitals: $65,840
- State government, excluding education and hospitals: $64,770
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How Much Can I Earn With A Chemistry Degree
PayScale reports that Bachelor of Science graduates that major in chemistry earn an average annual salary of $75,977 in Australia.*
As career opportunities span a range of roles and industries, salary trends depend on the area you decide to work. Click through the gallery to see some example salaries for jobs that chemistry graduates may enter.
Interview With A Professional In Chemistry
Dr. Emanuela Gionfriddo
Dr. Emanuela Gionfriddo is an assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Toledo. She heads the Green Microextraction Analytical Solutions lab. Dr. Gionfriddo received her bachelor’s degree in chemistry in 2008, her master’s degree in chemistry in 2010, and her Ph.D. in analytical chemistry in 2013 from the University of Calabria in Italy.
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Sample Occupations And Jobs
Below is a sample of the many types of occupations and jobs pursued by graduates of this program.
1a. Sample Occupations
Note: This is not an exhaustive list. Detailed career profiles are available in the Career Centre. Some occupationsrequire further education and experience.
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* View these titles at Career Cruising, available on CLN under the Resources tab.
1b. Sample Job Listings
Below is a sample of delisted positions that have been posted on U of T’s Career Learning Network . To access current listings, login to CLN and click on Jobs.
1c. Sample Areas of Employment
- Cosmetics and fragrance production companies
- Computers and telecommunications companies
- Environment and pollution control firms
- Fine and heavy chemical manufacturing companies
- Food and beverage production companies
- Mining and metallurgy companies
- Scientific research and development companies
Top Paying Jobs For Chemistry Majors
An undergraduate degree in chemistry could be the first step toward a successful career with a great salary.
Using data from Payscale.com, we identified some of the best-paying careers you can pursue as a chemistry major. Unsurprisingly, pre-med chemistry majors go on to earn significant salaries after additional schooling.
Learn more about the top-paying science careers for chemistry majors.
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< a href="https://oneclass.com/blog/featured/182505-15-top-paying-jobs-for-chemistry-majors/ "> < img alt="15 Top Paying Jobs for Chemistry Majors" src="https://oneclassblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/top-paying-jobs-for-chemistry-majors-infographic.jpg" width="600px" height="514px" /> < /a> < br> < a href="https://oneclass.com/blog/featured/182505-15-top-paying-jobs-for-chemistry-majors/ "> 15 Top Paying Jobs for Chemistry Majors< /a> Created By: < a href="https://oneclass.com/"> OneClass< /a>
| Average Salaries of Chemistry Majors |
| Early Career |
| $98,000 |
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Salary Data Reference Information
ALIS: Alberta Learning and Information Service , sponsored by the Government of Alberta. For an overview of their salary survey methodology, please visit here.PayScale: Private organization owned by PayScale Incorporated . For an overview of their salary survey methodology, please visit here.BLS: United States Bureau of Labor Statistics , sponsored by the federal government of the United States of America. For details regarding their salary survey methodology, please visit here.Glassdoor: Glassdoor is a private organization owned by Glassdoor incorporated . For an overview of their salary survey methodology, please visit here.Canadian Food Inspection Agency: For the career profile of Food & Drug Inspector
Average Salary Levels Of Chemistry Graduates
The salary you could earn with a chemistry degree varies based on a wide variety of factors, such as:
The type, size, and budget of your employer
The discretion of your employer Your level of education and experience Your level of certification The region in which you work How much overtime you are able to work The amount of responsibility inherent in your position Your level of experience
The salary you could earn is also highly dependent on the career field you enter. Below is an overview of the average earnings of people in a few career fields that are relevant to a degree in chemistry. Please note however, that the salary information listed below is meant only to serve as a guideline. In many cases, workers in these fields can earn a much lower, or much higher salary, than what is listed below.
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