The specialty chemical industry is a safe bet if you are looking for job security in an uncertain economy. You can use scientific knowledge and principles to produce food, medicine, or other chemical products.
The specialty chemical industry develops and produces chemical products. Employees experiment to create formulas for the desired products.
Industries that use specialty chemicals include:
- Manufacturing
- Agriculture
- Textiles
- Cosmetics
- Aerospace
- Automotive
You might begin a career in any of these sectors.
Building a career in the specialty chemical industry provides many advantages:
Job security
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the employment of chemists and materials scientists will grow 8% from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. An average of approximately 7,800 openings for chemists and materials scientists is projected yearly over the decade.
Innovations in research areas such as nanotechnology and biomaterials are projected to increase the demand for chemists and materials scientists. For instance, chemists will be needed to improve products and processes, such as medicines and food safety methods. Also, material scientists will be required to develop safe, affordable, high-quality materials for energy, transportation, electronics, and other uses.
Entry-level jobs
Job seekers with a high school diploma can enter the specialty chemical industry and receive on-the-job training. Candidates with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree can secure entry-level jobs with higher starting salaries and additional responsibilities. Additionally, ongoing professional development can lead to advancement opportunities.
Creativity and scientific knowledge
Employees use scientific principles to learn the chemical composition of specific materials. They use this knowledge to brainstorm ideas and experiment to strengthen efficiency and productivity while developing, manufacturing, and delivering chemical products.
Entry-Level Jobs in the Specialty Chemical Industry
These entry-level jobs in the specialty chemical industry require minimal education and experience:
Chemical technician
A chemical technician assists other scientists in analyzing chemical products’ properties. The duties include preparing chemical solutions, monitoring chemical processes, troubleshooting issues with production equipment, and cleaning the equipment.
Chemical compounder
A chemical compounder follows instructions to mix raw chemicals to create the desired product. They read labels and use scales to ensure they use accurate chemicals and amounts. This professional might set aside a final product sample for a quality control analyst to test the composition and confirm it meets standards.
Chemical tester
A chemical tester typically works in the food industry testing the chemical composition of edible products. They report findings such as the amount of protein, fat, or sugar in a food product. Other duties include uncovering the presence of pesticides, antibiotics, or preservatives and identifying foreign objects in food.
Quality analyst
A quality analyst conducts chemical and physical tests to ensure products meet employer standards and comply with federal and local regulations. They might create and attach certificates to show the completion of the quality control process.
Looking for a Job in the Specialty Chemical Industry?
Element Staffing offers jobs with top employers in the specialty chemical industry. Visit our job board to apply for a role today.
