A Chemistry Career in Industry: Is Graduate School Right for You? 

Students often ask me, “Do I need to go to graduate school for a chemistry career in industry?”  I ask back, “What career opportunities do you want? What job values are important to you? How is your financial situation?” Here are responses that might help you decide if graduate school is right for you.

What career opportunities do you want?

Industry career opportunities differ with the chemist’s level of higher education. With a bachelor’s degree (BS) in chemistry, industry offers positions as laboratory technicians, assistants, and analysts. Under supervision of a lead, these jobs involve conducting experiments with an emphasis on safety, diligence, and methodology. The average starting annual US salary is $50K.

With a master’s degree (MS), you can become a lead with key research responsibilities and an industry expert, leading to management of people and projects. The average entry pay is $65K.

A doctorate degree (PhD) opens higher level jobs in industry beginning at $90-100K annually. These may involve research, manufacturing, product development, quality assurance, marketing, and have potential for upper management and executive positions.

One option to a chemistry BS is a BS in chemical engineering which allows more versatility and pays 33-50% more, with less laboratory research and more operational field work. Chemical engineers often find no need for a higher degree. Or, building on a chemistry foundation, earning a Master of Business Administration can lead to work in product development, marketing, or project management.

What job values are important to you?

Responsibility, autonomy, innovation, visibility, and recognition are job values that increase if you select a graduate school route. But choose your school and your thesis advisor thoughtfully to ensure a practical yet futuristic education and thesis project. Seek a professor with industry experience or connections.

Whichever degree you earn, it is critical to network, conduct informational interviews, and carefully read job descriptions to identify the values of a company and the opportunities they offer at different degree levels. What is important to you? I began my career in industry with a MS degree, found barriers to higher level responsibilities that I sought, so I returned to graduate school for a PhD.

How’s your financial situation?

Don’t let cost hold you back. Many organizations offer scholarships for graduate school. Do your research to find and apply for them. Start with ACS Grants, Fellowships, Awards. Also, check the educational policy of your employer. My company funded my PhD to do my thesis project on one of their products. Most universities award work/study or paid teaching and research assistantships to graduate students. Corporations provide summer internships and research grants.

I can say that graduate school was right for me. I discovered that a PhD gave me credibility--especially when I began working internationally. It also gave me an edge in career advancement, allowing me to reach leadership roles in industry that I genuinely enjoyed. I hope you find the right answer for YOU!