Chemist

A chemist conducts laboratory research, analysis, and testing in academic, industrial, or quality-assurance settings to investigate chemical properties, develop new compounds, or verify product composition. They design and execute experiments, analyse results, and document findings according to scientific method and regulatory standards. This role requires tertiary qualification in chemistry or a related discipline and responsibility for safe handling of hazardous substances and compliance with workplace safety legislation.

Design and conduct laboratory experiments to investigate chemical reactions, properties, and behaviour of substances. Prepare chemical solutions, compounds, and samples using precise measurements and standard laboratory techniques. Operate and calibrate analytical instruments including spectrophotometers, chromatographs, mass spectrometers, and pH meters. Analyse experimental data using statistical methods and chemistry software to interpret results and draw conclusions. Document experimental procedures, observations, and results in laboratory notebooks and electronic systems in accordance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP). Perform quality control testing on raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products to verify compliance with specifications. Conduct hazard assessments and implement safe work practices for handling toxic, corrosive, or flammable chemicals under Safe Work Australia guidelines. Collaborate with cross-functional teams including engineers, technicians, and other scientists to develop or troubleshoot chemical processes.

The standard entry pathway requires a bachelor degree or higher (ABS Skill Level 1). Specific qualification requirements vary by employer and state. Some employers may accept equivalent experience. Check yourcareer.gov.au for available courses and dewr.gov.au/skills-reform/free-tafe for subsidised training options.

You'll need a bachelor degree in chemistry or related field before you can work, which takes 3 to 4 years and costs money. Once qualified, pay growth tops out earlier than other sciences. Many chemistry jobs are in routine quality control, which is repetitive. You'll also handle hazardous chemicals daily, with strict safety rules and compliance paperwork.

Regional work exists in mining areas and agricultural processing. Very few chemistry roles are fully remote because you need to be in the lab handling samples and equipment.

Published for ANZSCO unit group 2342, the wider group this job sits in, not for this job on its own.

This is the median for full-time employees who are not managers and are paid at the adult rate, before tax and salary sacrifice. It is a guide to what the work pays, not a wage rate.

Source: ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, customised report.

• Attention to Detailcore
• Calibrate laboratory equipmentcore
• Chemistrycore
• Continuous Learning and Upskillingcore
• Data Entry and Accuracycore
• Health Terminology Literacycore
• Policy and Procedure Adherencecore
• Problem Solvingcore
• Quality Assurance and Checkingcore
• Record Managementcore
• Regulatory and Legislative Awarenesscore
• Report Writingcore
• Research and Analysiscore
• Risk Identificationcore
• Written Communicationcore
• Incident Reporting
• Microsoft Excel Data Management
• Microsoft Office Suite Proficiency
• Process Documentation
• Process Improvement Identification
• Stakeholder Communication
• Team Collaboration
• Time Management and Prioritisation
• Verbal Communication

• ABS OSCA 2024, occupation definition and task statements
• ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, customised report.
• ABS, 2021 Census of Population and Housing based on usual place of residence (Custom Report). OSCA Experimental Estimates.

Role data is drawn from official Australian Government sources, and each figure names where it comes from. Where a role is not in the ABS classification, the page shows no government figures for it. Data may not reflect every local variation.

Where our numbers come from.

What Chemist workers move into, from ten years of tax records.

Last updated: 30 October 2026