A degree in chemistry will prepare you to hit the ground running, whether your path leads you to graduate school or an entry-level position in the public or private sector. Chemistry majors have gone on to positions such as analyst, chemist, pharmacist, food scientist. A chemistry minor could give you the technical edge as a patent attorney, forensic scientist, veterinarian, and more.
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist
2017 Median Pay: $51,770 per year
Job Outlook: +13% over the next 10 years
Medical laboratory technologists (commonly known as medical laboratory scientists) collect samples and perform tests to analyze body fluids, tissue, and other substances. Clinical chemistry technologists prepare specimines and analyze the chemical and hormonal contents of body fluids.
Chemists and Materials Scientists
2017 Median Pay: $76,280 per year
Job Outlook: +7% over the next 10 years
Chemists and materials scientists study substances at the atomic and molecular levels and analyze the ways in which the substances interact with one another. They use their knowledge to develop new and improved products and to test the quality of manufactured goods.
Pharmacist
2017 Median Pay: $124,170 per year
Job Outlook: +6% over the next 10 years
Pharmacists dispense prescription medications to patients and offer expertise in the safe use of prescriptions. They also may conduct health and wellness screenings, provide immunizations, oversee the medications given to patients, and provide advice on healthy lifestyles.
Food Scientist
2017 Median Pay: $62,910 per year
Job Outlook: +7% over the next 10 years
Food scientists use chemistry, biology, and other sciences to study the basic elements of food. They analyze the nutritional content of food, discover new food sources, and research ways to make processed foods safe and healthy.
Forensic Scientist
2017 Median Pay: $57,850 per year
Job Outlook: +17% over the next 10 years
Forensic science technicians aid criminal investigations by collecting and analyzing evidence. Many technicians specialize in various types of laboratory analysis. Forensic chemists typically use chemicals and laboratory equipment and computers to examin DNA, substances, and other evidence collected at crime scenes. They often work to match evidence to people or other known elements, such as vehicles or weapons.
Physician and Surgeon
2017 Median Pay: >$208,000 per year
Job Outlook: +13% over the next 10 years
Physicians and surgeons diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses. Physicians examine patients; take medical histories; prescribe medications; and order, preform, and interpret diagnostic tests. They counsel patients on diet, hygiene, and preventative healthcare. Surgeons operate on patients to treat injuries, such as broken bones; diseases, such as cancerous tumors; and deformaties, such as cleft palates.
Professor
2017 Median Pay: $76,000 per year
Job Outlook: +15% over the next 10 years
Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a wide variety of academic and technical subjects beyond the high school level. They may also conduct research and publish scholarly papers and books.
Dentist
2017 Median Pay: $158,120 per year
Job Outlook: +19% over the next 10 years
Dentists diagnose and treat problems with patients' teeth, gums, and related parts of the mouth. They provide advice and instruction on taking care of teeth and gums and on diet choices that affect oral health.
Veterinarian
2017 Median Pay: $90,420 per year
Job Outlook: +19% over the next 10 years
Veterinarians care for the health of animals and work to improve public health. They diagnose, treat, and research medical conditions and diseases of pets, livestock, and other animals.
Lawyer
2017 Median Pay: $119,250 per year
Job Outlook: +8% over the next 10 years
Lawyers advise and represent individuals, businesses, and government agencies on legal issues and disputes. Intellectual property lawyers deal with the laws related to inventions, patents, trademarks, and creative works.
Source: bls.gov.
