Yes, Major Chemicals is a good career path. The industry has been constantly growing over the last few years, which indicates to be no shortage of jobs.
When it comes to a person’s career, there are certain things they focus on. Some want high-paying potential, while others look for job security. Still, others look for good working conditions or the opportunity to travel abroad. And in this article, we will talk about an industry that has it all. So, is major chemicals a good career path?
First of all, it is an industry that has a wide variety of jobs. Also, it is great for those looking for career growth. It is also an industry that challenges you to come up with newer ways to do things. In turn, helping you grow as a professional.
You need certain skills to work in major chemicals, such as a keen eye for detail and a good memory. Naturally, a significant level of qualification is also needed for some high-paying roles in the industry.
So, if all this sounds interesting, you should go ahead and pursue a career in major chemicals. But hold on! There’s a lot to explore right now. So, let’s start.
What Is the Major Chemicals Industry?
The major chemicals industry is one of the largest industries worldwide. And the United States is one of the biggest producers of chemical products worldwide. Naturally, so many want to start a career in such an industry.
But what exactly is the major chemicals industry? Well, in simple words, it is the industry that uses raw materials to produce chemicals for industrial and commercial use. The best part about this vast industry is that you can get jobs in lots of different profiles.
Here are some commonly chosen career paths in the industry:
1. Production
In this career path, your responsibility is to oversee the manufacturing process of chemicals. Jobs in chemical production basically require you to ensure that the production process goes on smoothly.
Production Chemist is one example of a job in the product segment of the major chemicals industry.
2. Quality Control
Ensuring that every product meets quality standards is key for any industry. The same goes for major chemicals. Working in quality control in major chemicals will also pay you well.
3. Sales and Marketing
Every industry needs sales and marketing professionals to be able to promote its products to the audience. The same goes for the major chemicals industry. You can get a whole lot of job opportunities in the industry if you are an able sales and marketing professional.
So, if you are someone who can promote or sell products with ease, you might want to try your look in the major chemicals industry.
4. Research and Development
For those who have a degree in chemistry, research and development is the most common career path. In major chemicals, R & D involves improving the quality of existing products and services while developing new ones.
Apart from these four career paths, there are other areas as well where you can work in. These include logistics, supply chain management, regulatory affairs, etc.
Is the Major Chemicals A Good Career Path? Yes, Mainly Due to Its Growth
When choosing a career, everyone looks into whether or not the industry is likely to grow in the future. Luckily, this is not something you will need to worry about when it comes to major chemicals. In fact, the hiring of chemical engineers is predicted to grow by 9 percent every year till 2030.
In the period, an average of 1,800 new openings are projected for the said position every year. These numbers will likely be the same for other jobs in the industry as well. So, preparing yourself for a career in the industry will definitely prove worthwhile.
Here are some other statistics to show how the United States’ major chemicals industry is growing:
- This year, the production volume of the chemical industry grew and was projected to increase by 4.9%.
- The United States chemical industry is responsible for one-fourth of the country’s GDP.
- In the year 2020, this vast industry hired more than 4 million people in the country.
Pros and Cons of Working in Major Chemicals
Now, every industry has different working conditions. The challenges a person faces while working in them, too, are different. But in this article, we want to give you a clear picture. We want you to get an unbiased answer to the question is major chemicals a good career path?
Pros
1. Excellent Salary and Perks
We will discuss in detail some jobs in major chemicals later in the article. And as you will see, the pay and benefits of working in the industry are endless. In fact, some high-level jobs in major chemicals pay lucrative, six-figure salaries.
So, if a hefty paycheck is how you define a good career, this is an industry that will have lots of jobs for you.
2. Intellectually Challenging Work
It doesn’t matter how much we say we want things to be easy; we all love challenging work. In fact, that’s what gives meaning to our lives. When you work in major chemicals, there is no shortage of intellectually stimulating work.
So, if you, too, want your job to be more than just sitting in front of a screen, there will always be a job in the industry.
Cons
1. Hazardous Working Conditions
This is the only drawback of working in major chemicals. Some jobs in the industry might involve you working in slightly hazardous conditions. And in spite of the safety measures, accidents are not uncommon in places like mines.
So, if hazards at work concern you, this might not be a suitable industry for you. But there has also been a renewed enthusiasm to make the industry safer for those who work in it.
Strict safety regulations and better equipment have also made working with major chemicals much safer.
Skills and Qualifications for a Career in Major Chemicals
In most jobs in the major chemicals industry, you need to have a bachelor’s degree. After all, good knowledge and chemistry are a must for a career in the industry. You must also be able to use and dispose of chemicals safely while working with chemicals.
In order to land some high-level jobs in major chemicals, a master’s degree would be even better. In terms of skills, analytical thinking and designing skills are also vital to excel in the industry. You must also have the ability to apply the principles of maths and science for quick problem-solving.
Major chemicals is a demanding industry in many ways. It requires a professional to be both careful and innovative at the same time, which is not easy. If you are targeting higher-level managerial roles in the industry, good project management and people skills are also needed.
So, as you can see, there is a diverse set of skills that you need to enter the major chemicals industry. Now, let’s move on to some of the well-paying jobs in the industry.
Some Well-Paying Jobs in Major Chemicals
1. Toxicologist
The main job of a toxicologist is to undertake controlled experiments and trials. They oversee everything from the designing to the planning and execution of these trials. In addition to that, they also carry out field activities.
Identifying and quantifying toxins is also part of a toxicologist’s job. In this role, you might also have to work with large amounts of data. Naturally, analyzing and interpreting data is also something you have to do in this role.
In order to land this job, you definitely need a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, forensic sciences, or a related field. A Postgraduate degree in toxicology can also add to your value in the industry.
This one is a high-paying job in the industry. On average, this role can earn you $102,000 per annum. Depending on your years of experience, the salary can go well beyond what we have mentioned here. The room for growth in the role of a toxicologist is also great!
2. Quality Assurance Engineer
Quality Assurance Engineers review specifications and design of products. Their job is to ensure that all products are up there in terms of quality. They conduct several quality testing activities and provide meaningful feedback after studying results.
They also create well-structured test plans that can give quick and easy results. This role will also require the candidate to work with internal teams. Naturally, a certain level of communication skills is a must-have to excel.
The ability to write a thorough test plan and strong analytical skills are needed in this role. In terms of education, a bachelor’s degree in a related field is also a must-have.
It is one of the best paying jobs in the industry. The average annual salary you can earn in this role stands at $98,000. But if you have the skills and experience, your salary can go way beyond that!
3. Process Engineer
The major chemicals industry involves an endless series of production processes. And this role requires you to design, oversee and execute all these processes. Coming up with new ideas to reduce costs and improve productivity is also part of the job.
As Process Engineer, you also make sure that all processes comply with safety regulations. In this role, you also have to work with product managers to assess existing processes and improve new ones.
As a result, you need good communication skills to work in this role. Process Engineers must also keep themselves updated with healthy and safe regulations in the industry. In terms of education, a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, engineering, or a related field is a must for this role.
This one is another job in the industry that pays handsomely. On average, Process Engineers earn $86,831 every year. Again, the salary in this role will vary based on several factors such as experience, qualifications, etc.
4. Research Scientist
As the name suggests, research scientists conduct scientific studies and experiments. They do so in order to develop new products and technologies. This role involves you working in the lab mostly, doing research and assessing experimental data.
Making sure that all products are in line with the safety standards is also a research scientist’s job. In this role, you might also have to maintain records of previous experiments and compare them to reach conclusions.
Analytical thinking and good problem-solving are keys for anyone to excel in this role. A passion for the subject is also needed to work as a research scientist. In addition to that, a research scientist must be able to read and interpret large amounts of data.
The salary potential in this role is also impressive. On average, this role in the United States can earn you around $84,000 every year. Again, the salary may differ based on factors such as years of experience.
Summarizing: Is Major Chemicals A Good Career Path?
Finding a career that suits your skills and preferences is key. After all, you want to work a job where you want to show up every morning feeling driven to work. And if you have a degree in chemistry and a keen eye for detail, it is worth asking “is major chemicals a good career path?”
Now, the major chemicals industry has been seeing constant growth over the last few years. That tells us that there will be no shortage of jobs in the industry. With the material transformation coming in, the industry will only become more dynamic.
So, do you think you have the skills to work in major chemicals? But most importantly, do you find the prospect appealing after all you’ve read in this article? If you do, now’s the time to prepare the perfect resume, write a cover letter, and start job hunting.
We hope you found this article helpful. And we’d like to think that we helped you in making the final decision regarding a career in major chemicals.
We wish you all the luck in your job hunting!
Here’s to Hoping you land a high-paying job in major chemicals!