What job can I get with a Bachelors of Science chemistry and how much will I get paid?

Question

I didnt get into nursing, so I have a chioce, chemistry....

Answer 1

In chemistry, you aren't going to be paid much with a BS degree. Typically a chemist will also need to have at least a master's or PhD in order to get a good job (typically research, chemical testing/analysis, etc.), since the field is very involved. When you get a graduate degree, a research job can get you good pay (>$50,000/yr) pretty quickly. Most research professors I know are able to make in the six figures range by late 30s/early 40s. However, one thing you could also do is look into a similar field known as chemical engineering. A BSChE from a good school, such as Georgia Tech, can easily net you $50,000+ for your starting salary, and graduate degrees are even higher. The tradeoff is that ChE is generally a more intensive program than chemistry, as you are effectively dual-majoring in chemistry and mechanical engineering with a specialization in fluid mechanics.

Also, it's worth noting that pay varies by region too. You can use monster.com to check out pay by area. For example, from the ChemE side, I know a number of recent graduates who make extra money by working in rural areas or in Alaska, since no one wants to work there. In contrast, people who work in the cities, or in places that are rich in chemical engineers (Texas oil towns and the Gulf region in particular), pay is lower due to everyone in the industry working there. Also, keep in mind that there will be other factors at this level too; vertical opportunities, patenting rights, etc.

Also, one other thing you might look into is taking your technical degree and getting a law degree too. You can thereby become a patent lawyer, which pays better than either of the above two options. The tradeoff is, once again, that you have to go for a law degree on top of your chemistry.

In all cases, do some background and market research to see what the market is like for a given degree. Also, think about whether you can see yourself doing work in your degree's field for the next 5-10 years. Even if you become dissatisfied with your work, having that much experience is very helpful in terms of being able to change careers.

Answer 2

There are essentially four traditional fields in chemistry:

Organic, Inorganic, Physical, and Analytical

With an undergraduate degree, you can work in industry (pharmaceutical, oil, ect), for government, or as a consultant.

Most of the time with an undergrad degree you will be working in a lab of some sort under the direction of a PhD. The median salary range is around 50k.

As you continue on, however, you may find that you are really passionate about a particular branch of chemistry, in which case you may choose to persue a higher level degree.

A masters degree will earn you a median salary of around 60k. You will find that you will have more freedom in your job and may possibly hold a managerial position.

A PhD is the highest and most specialized degree that you can have. At this stage you may be considered an expert in your field. You will most likely hold a managerial postion of some sort, perhaps even at the highest levels. The option of life in academia is now open to you where you can persue your research while teaching at at the same time. Usually, a PhD and postdoctoral fellow are required to attain such a position. Since it is the most specialized degree, it follows that it is also the highest paying, earning you an approximate median salary of 80k.

It should be stressed that the higher level degrees demand a lot of time, effort, high grades, and huge commitment. Unless you truly have a passion for a particular subjuct, you shouldn't attempt the degree merely for the financial rewards.


**Note that I remember reading the approx salaries in report called ChemCensus 2000. I may be slightly off but the values are prettly close to reality. Salaries have probably gone up a bit as well since the report is 6 yrs old.

Answer 3

Two thoughts...if you want to stick with chemistry, you will do much better if you go on and get your masters, then you may get a job in research. But, if nursing is REALLY what you want, try to get in a different nursing program or retry at your college next year. If you are smart enough for chemistry, you are smart enough for nursing. Really, try another school or another time. Also, in many places you can get your R.N. in 2 years, at a community college. Then you can work and get tuition reimbursement from your employer and transfer to a nearby university and complete 2 more years...for your B.S.N. in nursing. Many people do this. i saw an answer the other day that said you cannot do this. WRONG. Yes, you can. Ask at the community college about going on for the B.S.N.after completing their program if you decide to go that way.

Answer 4

Not sure what country you're in, but I'm fairly sure this applies worldwide (I'm in Australia). I would highly recommend going into research. I was in the same position as you not long ago. There are very few jobs for science grads! I would highly recommend at least doing your Honours. It's only an extra year, and increases your job chances substantially. If you continue on to d a Phd, it's an extra 3 years but there's loads of scholarships and funding, and you have the opportunity to lecture classes and be a prac demonstrator which pays $90 an hour at my uni! You can then go on to get one of those sweet lecturing jobs and research whatever you want! :)

Answer 5

Try Eastman great pay and benefits.

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Eastman is a leading, global company of people who make a difference in everyday life. We offer endless possibilities for talented and innovative people to enjoy career paths filled with success and personal growth. Professionals in fields of engineering, business, information technology and chemistry are the core of our excellence while helping create a brighter future through discovery and technology. Superior performance and opportunity, outstanding benefits, world-class professionals, and a culture of excellence...what more is there?

Answer 6

I had a B.S. in Medical Technology first then specialized in Chemistry. I worked in a hosp. lab, which paid, not as much as nurses, but more than flipping burgers

Answer 7

Research nasa - in a decade or so chemists will be making tons off of them.

Answer 8

research,research assistance.