We surveyed 2,655 chemists to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical chemist. Here are the results.
How much intelligence is required as a chemist?
Low
High
Working as a chemist typically requires higher levels of intelligence when compared with the average career. This means that chemists are required to actively learn new things related to their discipline and solve complex problems.
Can I learn to become a chemist?
Intrinsic Talent
Acquired Talent
A career as a chemist typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.
Is it easy to get a job as a chemist?
Easy
Hard
It’s typically difficult to find a job as a chemist. If you’re curious about the numbers, check out the job market for chemists.
Do chemists work full-time or part-time?
84% of chemists work in full-time roles while 16% work part-time.
Is being a chemist stressful?
Low
High
Chemists tend not to find their jobs stressful, which likely contributes positively to career satisfaction.
Is being organized important as a chemist?
Low
High
Organization is considered a very important trait for chemists, and is critical to success in the field.
How competitive is the workplace for chemists?
Low
High
Competition at work is not common for chemists.
Does being a chemist require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?
Low
High
Time pressure tends not to be a major contributor of stress for chemists.
Are chemists allowed to express themselves creatively?
Low
High
Chemists rarely get a chance to express themselves creatively.
Do chemists have control over the direction of their work?
Low
High
While sometimes the direction is set, occasionally chemists will have some flexibility over the direction of their work.
Is being a chemist physically demanding?
Low
High
Work as a chemists is not the most physically demanding of careers, falling in the bottom half of all careers.
Are chemists exposed to a wide variety of work?
Low
High
While sometimes repetitive, chemists tend to have opportunities for variety in their work.
Does being a chemist require attention to detail?
Low
High
Attention to detail is a vital skill for chemists, as small mistakes can make or break one's ability to succeed in the career.
Does being a good chemist require compassion and empathy?
Low
High
The ability to be compassion and empathetic isn't considered fundamental to success as a chemist.