JOB DUTIES ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION MEDIAN ANNUAL PAY, MAY 2010
Agricultural and Food Scientists
Agricultural and food scientists work to ensure agricultural productivity and food safety.
See How to Become One $58,450
Biochemists and Biophysicists
Biochemists and biophysicists study the chemical and physical principles of living things and of biological processes such as cell development, growth, and heredity.
Doctoral or professional degree $79,390
Chemical Engineers
Chemical engineers apply the principles of chemistry, biology, and physics to solve problems. These problems involve the production or use of chemicals, fuel, drugs, food, and many other products. They design processes and equipment for large-scale safe and sustainable manufacturing, plan and test methods of manufacturing products and treating byproducts, and supervise production.
Bachelor’s degree $90,300
Environmental Scientists and Specialists
Environmental scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment. They identify problems and find solutions that minimize hazards to the health of the environment and the population.
Bachelor’s degree $61,700
Geoscientists
Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the Earth, such as its composition, structure, and processes, to learn about its past, present, and future.
Bachelor’s degree $82,500
High School Teachers
High school teachers help prepare students for life after graduation. They teach academic lessons and various skills that students will need to attend college and to enter the job market.
Bachelor’s degree $53,230
Materials Engineers
Materials engineers develop, process, and test materials used to create a range of products, from computer chips and aircraft wings to golf clubs and snow skis. They also help select materials and develop new ways to use materials.
Bachelor’s degree $83,120
Natural Sciences Managers
Natural sciences managers supervise the work of scientists, including chemists, physicists, and biologists. They direct research and development projects and coordinate activities such as testing, quality control, and production.
Bachelor’s degree $116,020
Physicists and Astronomers
Physicists and astronomers study the fundamental nature of the universe, ranging from the vastness of space to the smallest of subatomic particles. They develop new technologies, methods, and theories based on the results of their research that deepen our understanding of how things work and contribute to innovative, real-world applications.
Doctoral or professional degree $105,430
Postsecondary Teachers
Postsecondary teachers instruct students in a wide variety of academic and vocational subjects beyond the high school level. They also conduct research and publish scholarly papers and books.
Doctoral or professional degree $62,050
Contacts for More Information
For information on career opportunities, earnings, and education for chemists and materials scientists, visit
American Chemical Society
For information on obtaining a position as a chemist with the federal government, visit
USAJOBS
This chapter provides clear insight in the current state of Physical chemists jobs - the next chapter covers how to find and apply for Physical chemists jobs.
FINDING AND APPLYING FOR Physical chemists JOBS AND EVALUATING OFFERS
Finding—and getting—a job you want can be a challenging process, but knowing more about job search methods and application techniques can increase your chances of success. And knowing how to judge the job offers you receive makes it more likely that you will end up with the best possible job.
Where to learn About Job Openings
Job Search Methods
Applying for a Job
Job Interview Tips
Evaluating a Job Offer
Where to Learn About Job Openings
Personal contacts
School career planning and placement offices
Employers
Classified ads:
National and local newspapers
Professional journals
Trade magazines
Internet resources
Professional associations
Labor unions
State employment service offices
Federal Government
Community agencies
Private employment agencies and career consultants
Internships
Job Search Methods
Finding a job can take months of time and effort. But you can speed the process by using many methods to find job openings. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics suggest that people who use many job search methods find jobs faster than people who use only one or two.
Personal contacts.
Many jobs are never advertised. People get them by talking to friends, family, neighbors, acquaintances, teachers, former coworkers, and others who know of an opening. Be sure to tell people that you are looking for a job because the people you know may be some of the most effective resources for your search. To develop new contacts, join student, community, or professional organizations.
School career planning and placement offices.
High school and college placement offices help their students and alumni find jobs. Some invite recruiters to use their facilities for interviews
