What jobs can I do with a chemistry qualification?

Graphic showing career paths in chemistry

Changing lives. As a chemist you could be developing new medicines, vaccines and medical devices
Fixing the future. Chemical scientists are finding ways to cope with the increasing pressures on energy, food, water and other scarce natural resources and to live more sustainably
Innovating industry. As a chemistry professional you could be developing sustainable products and materials, and improving processes
Challenging opinions. How about promoting scientific research and lobbying for policy changes.
Being the catalyst. You could inspire others through teaching chemistry
Working outside the lab in areas like the law, finance, journalism, the government and teaching

You will be part of an estimated 275,000-strong workforce (2019) and contribute an enormous £83 billion to UK GDP (2019). Want to find out more?

Chemical scientists’ median salary is £38,590. That’s £7,500 more than the UK median average for other job postings. (Lightcast data 2023)
The chemical sciences workforce is projected to grow 30% faster than the overall UK labour market (2022-2032)
Chemists work on ways to tackle global problems
Chemists have transferable skills that are required in a wide range of other careers

EXPLORE JOB ROLES

Technicians are at the forefront of cutting-edge scientific research and provide vital scientific services

Analytical chemists measure chemicals in substances, from medicines to crops, often to ensure safety

Find out more about toxicology, including what’s involved, where toxicologists work, and pathways into the profession.