Chemist | Average UK Salary & Outlook

Chemists study chemicals and materials and how they behave under different conditions.

  • Analyze organic or inorganic compounds to determine chemical or physical properties, composition, structure, relationships, or reactions, using chromatography, spectroscopy, or spectrophotometry techniques.  
  • Conduct quality control tests.  
  • Maintain laboratory instruments to ensure proper working order and troubleshoot malfunctions when needed.  
  • Prepare test
Read more about Chemist

Chemists typically work around 39 to 41 hours per week.

As a Chemist you will typically work evenings / weekends.

This occupation tends to be:

  • Investigative — Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
  • Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and
    • Read more about Chemist
    * from ONETonline
    Average salary
    41,783 GBP *
    per year
    18,000 GBP
    50,000 GBP
    Starting
    5+ Experience
    * data taken from the Office of National Statistics (ons.gov.uk)

    Salary statistics

    Average salary for Chemist

    Big gender gap
    • 46,058 GBP
    • 37,530 GBP
    Average salary for part-time Chemist
    Average salary for full-time Chemist

    Showing:
    Part-time Full-time
    • 25,059 GBP
    • 23,147 GBP
    • 41,783 GBP
    • 37,530 GBP
    • 46,058 GBP
    Salary over time for Chemist

    Salary for this role has increased over time
    • 41,755 GBP
    • 41,318 GBP
    • 41,256 GBP
    • 42,584 GBP
    • 41,616 GBP
    • 41,075 GBP
    • 41,783 GBP
    • 42,993 GBP
    • 38,533 GBP
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    Future outlook for Chemists

    pointer
    Very good outlook
    55 000+ jobs available
    pointer
    Balanced outlook
    -1% yearly wage growth (on average)
    pointer
    Very good outlook
    23% chance of automation in the future

    Chemist - Your future job?


    Which qualifications do I need?

    Find out what you need to know in order to become a Chemist and the highest average level of education for people in this role.

    In terms of people already doing this job:

    • 86% of people in this role have a Bachelor's degree
    • 7% of people in this role have a Master's degree
    • 4% of people in this role have a Diploma of Higher Education or equivalent

    You'll need:

    •  maths knowledge  
    •  knowledge of engineering science and technology  
    •  knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals  
    •  design skills and knowledge  
    •  knowledge of physics  
    •  analytical thinking skills  
    •  science skills  
    •  to be thorough and pay attention to detail  
    • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

    Get the right qualification to begin your journey to becoming a Chemist

    Chemistry

    What soft skills do I need?

    Rise above the competition by brushing up on the 5 most important soft skills you need to become a Chemist.
    Science Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems
    Critical Thinking Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
    Reading Comprehension Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents
    Active Listening Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times
    Mathematics Using mathematics to solve problems

    What technical skills do I need?

    Technical skills are programmes, softwares and things you need to know in order to be a successful Chemist. Check that you know:
    1
    Analytical or scientific software Agilent ChemStation; Minitab
    2
    Computer aided design CAD software
    3
    Data base user interface and query software LabTrack Electronic Lab Notebook; Microsoft Access
    4
    Graphics or photo imaging software Digital imaging software; Graphics software; Microsoft Visio
    5
    Inventory management software ChemSW Chemical Inventory System CIS; ItemTracker; UBI Biotracker
    Improve your skills today

    Chemistry

    Things to highlight for your Chemist interview

    Attention to Detail Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. Analytical Thinking Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems. Integrity Job requires being honest and ethical. Dependability Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. Adaptability/Flexibility Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.

    Not sure if you are in the right job?

    Take our career change quiz