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What US chemists make, according to the 2019 ACS salary survey

Acs’s reintroduced salary survey shows that unemployment is flat and salaries overall are slightly up since 2016, by andrea widener, october 30, 2019 | a version of this story appeared in volume 97, issue 43.

Credit: C&EN/Shutterstock

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Salary Survey 2019

Salary breakdown by demographics

Salary breakdown by region, unemployment, why is there a 2-year gap in acs’s salary data, who took the survey.

Click here to see the most recent salary survey results

The ACS salary survey returned in 2019 after a 2-year hiatus . Survey responses from 2019 are from 5,121 ACS members in April and reflect the median salary for full-time US employees. Survey data from prior years reflect the median salary for full-time US employees who said their work specialty is chemistry.

Salaries varied widely depending on where respondents worked. Some people with a master's degree made less than those with a bachelor's degree

West North Central

West South Central

East North Central

East South Central

South Atlantic

Middle Atlantic

New England

Unemployment for ACS members was flat since 2016

In 2016, the American Chemical Society decided to revamp its popular salary survey.

Response rates had fallen from around 40% in the 1980s to 18%, consistent with national trends toward lower survey responses. Additionally, the society was concerned that the data collected—which are published in C&EN and power the ACS Salary Calculator —did not properly reflect the ACS community. Older members were more likely to respond than younger, more diverse members. (ACS publishes C&EN.)

“It was a little rigid and out of date,” says Frank Romano, chair of ACS’s Committee on Economic and Professional Affairs (CEPA), which oversees the survey.

So the society planned to switch from a once-a-year survey to a more continual and modular survey method. Every quarter it would send out a survey to a small, representative sample of ACS members. This change would allow ACS to ask questions about current topics of interest, such as elections or the economy, in addition to traditional salary-survey questions.

After several months of planning, ACS tried the modular method starting in 2017. Unfortunately, that survey had an even lower response rate—so low that analysts could not confidently use the data, says Steven Meyers, the director of membership for ACS.

No one is sure why the response rate was so low. It could be that the survey requests came from a vendor rather than directly from ACS, Romano says. Or it could be that members were not prepared for a survey at a different time of year.

After trying for a year, ACS decided to return to its traditional once-a-year survey technique. When relaunched in April 2019, around 7% of members responded to the survey, enough to ensure the data are reliable.

In addition, the society hired a survey statistician to determine whether the results reflect the larger ACS community, and this time, they did, Meyers says. Going forward, the society will continue to check that its data are statistically sound.

The confidence in the current data set allowed for the return of the salary data to C&EN and the return of the Salary Calculator, which should be available in November.

CEPA has heard from many members who are eager to get the most up-to-date information on salaries, CEPA member Eric Bruton says. The data “give us a better understanding of where our industry lies as a whole, and that is very valuable to people as we manage our careers,” he says.

In 2019 the society returned to basically the same questions it sent in 2016, but in the future it hopes to be able to gather more information while keeping the survey at a reasonable length. “That would show that ACS is just being current and really helping its members with information that they are looking for,” Romano says.

These are the ACS members who took the 2019 survey

A small percentage identified themselves as disabled, you might also like....

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The Salary and Employment Status Survey (also known as the Comprehensive Salary Survey) is conducted annually among domestic ACS members under 70 years old and not student-, retired-, or emeritus-status members. Every 5 th year, the ACS conducts the ChemCensus.

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The Highest Paying Jobs in Chemistry - A New Scientist Careers Guide

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Highest-paying jobs in chemistry

Chemistry may seem like a niche area, but, in fact, it is a fundamental scientific discipline applied in a wide variety of fields. Chemical scientists are often behind breakthroughs in many sectors, including medicine , technology and even space travel .

Chemistry can be classified into five main branches: organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, biochemistry and analytical chemistry. 

This article provides insight into the best-paid jobs in chemistry . The top three careers in chemistry for each of the five key branches will be discussed.

Organic chemistry

Organic chemistry is the study of carbon-containing compounds. Carbon is a special element due to its chemical diversity and properties. All known life on Earth contains carbon and hydrogen. Organic chemistry isn’t limited to only naturally occurring carbon compounds, but also artificially produced ones, such as plastic. As such, several industries hire organic chemists to offer their expertise and skills.

Job role: Agronomists oversee farms and advise farmers on soil health and strategies to improve crop yields. You get to work in various settings, such as farms, labs or an office. You study properties of soil, fertilisers and other compounds, devise plans to improve crops and develop new farming technologies.

Route: A degree in chemistry, biology or agriculture will maximise your chances of securing junior positions. Some employers require a postgraduate degree in specific areas, such as crop technology. By specialising in advanced methods, such as laser weeding or precision farming, you could become a consultant. 

Average salary (experienced): £60,000

• Environmental consultant

Job role: Eco-consultants study the environmental impact of industrial and commercial projects on climate change and vice versa. They advise organisations and the government on sustainability, waste management and environmental policies. As an environmental consultant , you could work independently or for a client.

Route: You must first complete a degree in a life science such as chemistry, biology or ecology. A postgraduate degree in environmental science will speed up your journey to consultancy. The Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) offers postgraduate courses that would allow you to conduct research with a university or business. 

With more work experience, you can become a chartered environmental consultant, run your own business or do research in areas such as climate change and flooding.

Average salary (experienced): £50,000

• Food scientist

Job role: Food scientists work at research facilities or laboratories, either for a business or university, and develop new foods. They continuously find methods to optimise the food-making process, improve and create new recipes, and ensure food is safe, fresh and appealing for consumers.

Route: A chemistry degree will be accepted by most companies if you have relevant work experience. Some employers may prefer a specialised course in food science or food technology. After you gain some experience, you could manage a whole research and development department. Obtaining chartered status could further improve your job prospects.

Average salary (experienced): £45,000

Inorganic chemistry

Inorganic chemistry deals with all compounds that don’t contain carbon. Naturally occurring metals and minerals are particularly well-studied. Inorganic chemists continue to improve or develop new materials, finding ways to sustainably use finite resources.  

• Chemical engineer

Job role: Chemical engineers develop techniques to transform raw materials into all sorts of products, ensuring the process is safe, environmentally friendly and cost-effective. As such, they can work in various sectors, including pharmaceuticals , construction and transportation. 

Route: You usually need a degree in chemical engineering or a related subject. A postgraduate qualification will greatly improve your chances of getting an entry-level job, as you can specialise in specific technologies. In addition to your studies, aim to complete internships or placements to gain work experience.

With more experience, you could move into managerial roles, oversee a plant or conduct independent research.

Average salary (experienced): £65,000  

• Energy engineer

Job role: Energy engineers find ways to generate energy sustainably. They may work at power plants, at laboratories or in an office. Their duties range from studying the physics of energy and conducting experiments to building power plants and overseeing major industrial projects. 

Route: You can get a job with an apprenticeship, but a degree in chemistry, physics or engineering will give you a competitive edge. Gain work experience through internships and consider a postgraduate degree. The Industrial Doctoral Centre for Offshore Renewable Energy sponsors courses to research offshore technologies.

Continue learning as a junior engineer and pick up business skills and new technologies. After some experience, you could move into managerial roles , policy development or consultancy. 

Average salary (experienced): £50,000  

• Hydrologist/Water engineer

Job role: Hydrologists possess excellent knowledge of groundwater systems, rivers, snow, rainfall and ice formation. They obtain and analyse data from these sources to predict and manage floods and droughts. Other duties include performing chemical analysis of water samples for pollutants and advising organisations on sustainability.

Route: Although an apprenticeship is an option, a science degree in environmental science, chemistry or civil engineering will be of immense value. Many employers encourage junior/assistant hydrologists to pursue a postgraduate qualification and specialise in advanced areas or technologies.

After some years of experience, you could become a consultant, manage research teams for companies or move into academia.

Physical chemistry

Physics is closely related to chemistry, particularly inorganic chemistry; some argue that chemistry was in fact derived from atomic and nuclear physics. Physical chemistry studies physical principles governing chemical reactions. One example is the subfield of chemical kinetics, which investigates catalysts and other factors that affect the rate of a chemical reaction.  

• Nuclear engineering

Job role: Nuclear engineers apply knowledge of physics and chemistry to ensure nuclear power plants are run safely. They monitor radiation levels, perform maintenance and research new methods and theories to advance the field.

Route: You should first complete a degree in physics, chemistry or engineering. Most jobs expect at least a master’s degree in nuclear physics or engineering. With more work experience and publications, you could become a manager or professor, or apply your knowledge in other areas, such as medicine or manufacturing.

Average salary (experienced): £58,000  

• Materials engineer

Job role: Materials engineers research properties of materials and elements. They apply principles from engineering, chemistry and physics to develop new products and investigate component failures. Consequently, they may work in a variety of sectors, from construction to textiles.

Route: A degree in natural sciences, materials science or chemistry and internships are typical requirements for most junior jobs. You can specialise in specific materials, such as polymer science , to stand out to companies. After working for some years or specialising, you could move into research or consultancy.

Average salary (experienced): £45,000  

• Nanotechnologist

Job role: Nanotechnology combines physics, chemistry and quantum mechanics. Nanotechnologists design devices and materials that are 0.1 to 100 nanometres in size, with use-cases in engineering, medicine and manufacturing. It is a highly academic field, hence research is a considerable part of this work .

Route: You will need a degree in physics, materials science, chemistry or engineering, and ideally a postgraduate qualification in nanotechnology. Some employers even expect a PhD, particularly in healthcare. With experience, you could become a professor or manage your own nanotechnology projects.

Average salary (experienced): £40,000

Biochemistry

Similar to the relationship between inorganic chemistry and physics, organic chemistry is related to biochemistry . This discipline focuses on chemical interactions and processes in all living organisms, including humans, animals and plants . Biochemists study the building blocks of life, i.e. proteins, carbohydrates and fats.  

• Clinical scientist

Job role: Clinical scientists evaluate, develop and implement novel diagnostic and treatment methods for diseases. This area encompasses dozens of healthcare professions that don’t require a formal medical degree. Chemistry-based roles include clinical biochemistry, microbiology and genomics, among others.

Your daily tasks will depend on your career path and how you split your time between research and service provision. 

Route: For chemistry-related jobs, you will require a degree in a relevant life science, such as biochemistry or biomedical sciences. This is followed by the National Health Service Scientist Training Programme, after which you register with the Health and Care Professions Council to work in the NHS. 

Completing the Higher Specialist Scientist Training will award you a doctorate and allow you to work as a clinical consultant.

Average salary (experienced): £68,000  

Job role: Geneticists study genes in living organisms, from humans to microbes. It is a highly academic and rapidly evolving field. Geneticists may work at universities, at hospitals or in industry. This role is different from a clinical geneticist, who is a qualified medical doctor and has had specialty training in clinical genetics.

Route: You must complete a degree in genetics, biochemistry or another life science. Most geneticists hold a postgraduate qualification, such as a master’s degree or PhD, especially in academia or industry. Working in the NHS will necessitate the STP pathway. With experience, you could become a director of clinical studies.

• Pharmacologist

Job role: Pharmacologists research and study drugs and their effects on humans or animals on a cellular and physiological level. It is a primarily lab-based profession involving experiments and data analysis for the purpose of drug development . They ensure drugs are effective and safe for human use.

Route: A degree in pharmacology is preferred, but biochemistry, physiology or biomedical sciences are also acceptable backgrounds. Many employers will expect postgraduate training and/or work experience in industry or academia. If you wish to move into academia, a PhD is essential. 

With experience in industry, you could move into managerial roles in pharmaceutical companies and oversee drug development, medical sales and marketing or patent work.

Analytical chemistry

Analytical chemistry is a more technical subfield. Analytical chemists study the equipment, instruments and substances used to carry out chemical experiments. They utilise analytical techniques such as chromatography and spectroscopy to separate, identify and quantify compounds and substances.  

• Senior lecturer

Job role: Professorship in chemistry is a highly prestigious role, especially at world-renowned institutions such as the University of Cambridge or the University of Oxford. Senior chemistry lecturers are typically leading experts and excellent analytical chemists.

Route: You will start out with a degree in chemistry, followed by a master’s degree and a PhD. After working as a postdoc and publishing several papers for several years, you could apply for professorship. You will typically conduct specialised research and teach specific topics within analytical chemistry.

Average salary (experienced): £55,000  

• Forensic scientist

Job role: Forensic science combines various scientific disciplines to aid the justice system. There are numerous methods that forensic scientists utilise for crime scene investigation and sample analysis. They typically specialise in different types of forensic science, such as forensic toxicology or DNA analysis. 

Route: As it is a competitive role, aim to complete a master’s degree in forensic science accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences. If you wish to focus on the chemical and analytical aspect of forensic investigation rather than the legislative side, ensure that your degree is also accredited by the Royal Society of Chemists, as this will allow you to practise as a chartered chemist.

Additionally, courses with a year in industry will greatly benefit your career prospects, since most jobs require prior work experience. After working for a few years, you could progress to the role of a forensics manager or move into academia.

• Analytical chemist

Job role: These are traditional chemists who are well-versed in all the elements in the periodic table. They continuously investigate chemical properties of substances and how they change under different conditions. Their work is research-based and includes developing new methods and techniques to study structures, advancing the field as a whole.

Route: Naturally, you will require a degree in a chemical science, followed by a postgraduate qualification, for most junior chemist jobs. To work as an independent researcher, you will additionally need a PhD and an impressive list of publications. After working as a postdoc for a few years, you could become the director of a lab, a professor or a chartered chemist.

Chemistry is a fundamental and wide-ranging science that will equip you with highly desirable transferable skills. Regardless of your specific area, you will have ample opportunity to sub-specialise and progress within your field, or integrate your expertise in other areas. In fact, many high-paying jobs in chemistry are interdisciplinary, overlapping with other scientific disciplines such as physics, biology or engineering.

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Phd in organic chemistry salary in the united states.

How much does a Phd In Organic Chemistry make in the United States? The salary range for a Phd In Organic Chemistry job is from $71,326 to $89,909 per year in the United States. Click on the filter to check out Phd In Organic Chemistry job salaries by hourly, weekly, biweekly, semimonthly, monthly, and yearly.

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How much do similar professions get paid in the united states, how much should you be earning, what does a phd in organic chemistry do.

The PhD degree in Organic Chemistry discipline is a doctorate degree that teaches the students about the basic principles of organic chemistry, biological networks, properties and reactions of different chemical compounds.

Through obtaining a PhD in Organic Chemistry, the graduates can hold senior positions in the research field and academic sectors.

Once you finish your PhD you can also be qualified for lecturer post in Chemistry and also to teach in colleges and universities with UGC scales.

To be eligible for a PhD position, you must have at least 240 credits (hp), or an equivalent basic university education, with at least 90 credits in chemistry and 60 credits at the advanced level in the specialization subject.

Research Chemist, Research Associate, Analytical Chemistry Associate, Chemistry Project Assistant, Organic Chemistry Professor, Synthetic Organic Chemist etc.

According to the present scenario, it has been proven that the demand of Organic Chemistry study in the research field is increasing gradually.

View Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles, 18 Industries, and 26 Job Families.

Most Common Benefits for Phd In Organic Chemistry

Related companies for phd in organic chemistry in the united states, frequently asked questions, do i receive fair pay as a phd in organic chemistry currently, what are the responsibilities of a phd in organic chemistry, how much do similar jobs to phd in organic chemistry make.

• Organic Chemistry
• Phd In Medicinal Chemistry
• Assistant Professor, Organic Chemistry
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Where can I get a higher Phd In Organic Chemistry salary in the United States?

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Doctorate (PhD), Analytical Chemistry Degree

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