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Job outlook for chemistry laboratory assistants in the United States
Chemistry laboratory assistant job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected chemistry laboratory assistant job growth rate is 4% from 2018-2028.
About 2,700 new jobs for chemistry laboratory assistants are projected over the next decade.
Chemistry laboratory assistant salaries have increased 9% for chemistry laboratory assistants in the last 5 years.
There are over 11,241 chemistry laboratory assistants currently employed in the United States.
There are 40,180 active chemistry laboratory assistant job openings in the US.
The average chemistry laboratory assistant salary is $30,971.
Are chemistry laboratory assistant jobs in demand?
Chemistry laboratory assistant job and salary trends over time
Chemistry laboratory assistant jobs over time
Chemistry laboratory assistant job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 11,241 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 12,371 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 12,813 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 12,763 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 12,577 | 0.00% |
Average chemistry laboratory assistant salary over time
Chemistry laboratory assistant salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $30,971 | $14.89 | +1.1% |
| 2024 | $30,623 | $14.72 | +2.3% |
| 2023 | $29,939 | $14.39 | +1.9% |
| 2022 | $29,392 | $14.13 | +3.1% |
| 2021 | $28,497 | $13.70 | +2.6% |
Chemistry laboratory assistant jobs by state
Most common states for chemistry laboratory assistants
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 131 | 15% |
| 2 | Vermont | 623,657 | 85 | 14% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 888 | 13% |
| 4 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 179 | 13% |
| 5 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 92 | 12% |
| 6 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 592 | 11% |
| 7 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 346 | 11% |
| 8 | Alaska | 739,795 | 71 | 10% |
| 9 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 546 | 9% |
| 10 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 115 | 9% |
| 11 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 94 | 9% |
| 12 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 64 | 9% |
| 13 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 51 | 9% |
| 14 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 1,024 | 8% |
| 15 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 691 | 8% |
| 16 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 578 | 8% |
| 17 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 466 | 8% |
| 18 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 226 | 8% |
| 19 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 144 | 8% |
| 20 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 673 | 7% |
Most common cities for chemistry laboratory assistants
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Austin | 1 | 0% | $31,838 |
Chemistry Laboratory Assistant job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of chemistry laboratory assistant experts
College of Idaho
SUNY at Albany
Ohio University Southern
Wake Forest University
University of Utah
Meredith College
Boston College
Old Dominion University
The University of Akron
Siena College
Rutgers University - New Brunswick
Adelphi University
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
High Point University
Georgia College and State University
Maryville University
Cleveland Community College
Elmira College
University of South Florida
What general advice would you give to a Chemistry Laboratory Assistant?
Bonnie Cantrell: Chemistry is the backbone to most protocols for the material, medical, and biological sciences.
Without chemistry, we would not know many of the things we know today. It will always be relevant in
helping change the scientific world as we know it. The advancements in science technology alone makes
chemistry today more exciting than ever. Just with balances from 1980's to now, we went from only
being able to weigh with counter balance weights to having a digital scale read accurately to 0.001
milligrams. Chemistry used to be more theoretical and only explainable from what we could make react
together. Now we have technology that can visualize the chemical composition and structure allowing
for us to create solutions to problems we could only dream of before. Whether you are wanting danger,
to save lives, or to help make this planet a better place to live, being a chemist can help you fuel your
passions.
What will help Chemistry Laboratory Assistants increase their earning potential?
Dr. Kevin Francis: A lesson learned the hard way when starting my career is that we will always be a student in life
and therefore should continue asking questions to those who know more than we do. At the same
time we have learned many lessons already and these should be put to use with confidence so we
will progress in our careers.
I left my PhD as the most senior member of the research group. I knew the ends and outs of the
lab including its history, troubles some instruments gave us in the past and the work arounds
developed to overcome these struggles. When staring my postdoctoral work, I was suddenly in a
lab with its own history and skill sets that must be gained for success. Initially, I was quite
hesitant to ask for help thinking that since I was hired to advise people it would not be
appropriate to ask them for help. This mindset wasted my first year because many experiments
failed simply because of my unfamiliarity with the specific instrumentation used to carry them
out. Upon reaching out and asking the graduate students what I was doing wrong I found that
they were just as happy and proud to share their knowledge as I was as a senior PhD student.
Their help allowed me to cross the barriers that were inhibiting my research and development.
We are always students in life, and while starting a new chapter is intimidating, we should
always remember the challenges we have already overcome. I recall as an undergraduate being
terrified to take advanced Math or Physics courses because I heard so many nightmare stories
about them. They were challenging for sure, but with effort they actually were not that bad. The
same was true about the PhD qualifying exams. Or the almost complete lack of finical stability
resulting from the meager salary as a graduate student or a postdoctoral researcher. You humbly
seek advice from those who have gone through the struggles and eventually find yourself on the
other ide with new skill sets to rely upon. And even if you do not make it your career, you should
always be willing to teach and mentor others to honor those you did so for you.
Alan Chen Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Dept of Chemistry & the RNA Institute, University at AlbanySUNY at Albany
Chemistry
What Chemistry Laboratory Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Alan Chen Ph.D.: Our most successful students start research no later than sophomore year and many opt for our 5-year combined BS/MS track. These students outcompete BS-level applicants for entry-level jobs, and start at higher salary and responsibility levels as many companies will count time in graduate school as "prior experience". The MS degree is particularly versatile as it can also be earned part-time by current employees looking to advance, and unlike the PhD does not over-qualify you for the vast majority of entry level chemist positions. MS degrees typically enable early-career chemists to move up the ranks into management or team-leader positions after a few years. They are also a possible way for recent grads who were unable to get a job due to lack of research experience in undergrad, to get that crucial research experience during their MS thesis, and possibly even upgrade-in-place to our PhD program if they are doing really well. Basically, there seems to be no drawback to getting an MS in Chemistry at a research-intensive university for the vast majority of scientific career tracks.
Kyle Kemats Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of InstructionOhio University Southern
Chemistry Department
What soft skills should all Chemistry Laboratory Assistants possess?
Kyle Kemats Ph.D.: Communication skills are crucial, regardless of the type of position. Chemists need to be able to effectively communicate their findings, as well as communicate with their supervisors and colleagues. Additionally, chemists may be asked to train newer employees, further highlighting the importance of these communication skills.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Chemistry Laboratory Assistants?
Kyle Kemats Ph.D.: As I mentioned in question 1, training/experience on various instruments is the most important for industry/research jobs. For teaching positions, experience with different pedagogical/education techniques will be helpful for a potential candidate.
Brian Mendenhall
Associate Director and Career CoachWake Forest University
Office of Personal and Career Development
What skills stand out on Chemistry Laboratory Assistant resumes?
Brian Mendenhall: Two things that stand out for me, regardless of whether the person is seeking employment in research or industry, are data analysis (Excel, Python, R) and presentation skills. Research specific skills would also include experimental design and specific relevant laboratory techniques & equipment experience.
What soft skills should all Chemistry Laboratory Assistants possess?
Brian Mendenhall: In the past, the most important attributes have been leadership and problem-solving skills. If the pandemic has taught us anything, the most important attribute is the ability to work with others and get along in multiple virtual and in-person environments. The rest seem elementary and are all dependent on each other. To work well on a team, you need to problem-solve, both on the topic and on how to share information. To solve problems, you need to be analytical and quantitative. Certainly, to do this well, you need to communicate across diverse audiences and levels of understanding. The National Association of Colleges and Employers surveys employers on these priorities and updates the results frequently. (see below for your reference)
Ability to work in a team 81.0%
Problem-solving skills 79.0%
Analytical/quantitative skills 76.1%
Communication skills (verbal) 73.2%
Communication skills (written)
https://www.naceweb.org/about-us/press/the-key-attributes-employers-seek-on-college-graduates-resumes/
Shelley Minteer Ph.D.
Dale and Susan Poulter Endowed Chair in Biological Chemistry, Associate Chair of ChemistryUniversity of Utah
Department Of Chemistry
What soft skills should all Chemistry Laboratory Assistants possess?
Shelley Minteer Ph.D.: The most important soft skills are communication and people management skills. It is critical to be strong in both oral and written communication.
Alexandra (Sasha) Ormond Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Chemistry, Director of Dual Degree EngineeringMeredith College
Department of Chemistry, Physics, and Geoscience
What Chemistry Laboratory Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Alexandra (Sasha) Ormond Ph.D.: Having hands-on experience through research, internships, and working with instruments can make a candidate more attractive to employers. Pursuing a Master's or Ph.D. degree can also lead to a higher starting salary, although the job opportunities may differ based on the level of education.
Dunwei Wang Ph.D.
Margaret A & Thomas A Vanderslice Chair in Chemistry, Professor of Chemistry, Chairperson of Chemistry DepartmentBoston College
Chemistry Department
What skills stand out on Chemistry Laboratory Assistant resumes?
Dunwei Wang Ph.D.: Skills to identify and solve problems.
What soft skills should all Chemistry Laboratory Assistants possess?
Dunwei Wang Ph.D.: Problem-solving skills. When presented with a problem, knowing where to go to find information to solve it.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Chemistry Laboratory Assistants?
Dunwei Wang Ph.D.: Chemistry is a diverse field. As a foundational discipline, it enables several sub-fields and supports emerging new fields. As one example, our graduates become experts in medical research, health care, and scientists and engineers in many other fields. Depending on the different career goals, what is important can be drastically different. Generally speaking, doing bench work (either in the lab or on a computer) should be a good skill to have at graduation.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Chemistry Laboratory Assistants?
John Cooper Ph.D.: One of the most amazing impacts of the pandemic was the rapidity to which students and employees had to adapt to new online modes of communications and scheduling for large interactive groups. This was already a trend in the sciences where multi-disciplinary teams were geographically dispersed, but now it is a universally expected skill set, and this adoption took place in less than a year. Students who took classes during the pandemic were exposed to a wide-range of teaching and training pedagogies. Virtual labs, at home delivered lab kits, hybrid labs with students both in person and online, and every possible delivery method that can be imagined for lectures became the norm. Our students were unintentionally part of a great experiment where they were able to evaluate what works well and what does not work so well. Whether they know it or not, this knowledge will guide them as they make future decisions in their careers about the best ways to communicate, train, and interact with their peers, employees, and employers. Our graduates are the leaders of the future, and the successful ones will find this experience to have been invaluable.
What experience really stands out on Chemistry Laboratory Assistant resumes?
John Cooper Ph.D.: Employers want experience. In the sciences, research is one of the most important experiences that students can obtain. Research allows students to get in-depth hands-on training solving real world problems by putting into practice what they have learned in their labs and lectures. It also allows students to communicate their findings both in peer-reviewed publications and scientific conferences. Research experience is not only a top priority for employers, it is also required for admission to top medical schools and graduate schools in the sciences.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Chemistry Laboratory Assistants?
Dr. Ajay Mahajan: I think the COVID-19 pandemic will have an enduring effect on graduates, and everyone in the workforce. Graduates will enter a workforce that will be fundamentally changed from the pre-pandemic era. Even after herd immunity, and after we go back to what we will call the new normal, life will not mirror the past. Industry will remain lean, cost-effective and risk-averse for some time. Whatever can be done from home, or remote platforms will be encouraged. Business meetings, interactions, and even negotiations may continue mostly on the remote platforms with some face-to-face meetings. Graduates will need to accept this as the new normal at least for some time.
What's a good job out of college for Chemistry Laboratory Assistants?
Dr. Ajay Mahajan: Professional areas, such as engineering, medical, law, business, etc., should not see much change except the requirement of new skills that allow them to work with less social interaction. What may change are jobs in some areas such as hospitality, entertainment, transportation, etc., as many of these jobs will be lost to automation. Hence, any job that resists automation should do fine. Certain areas that have to do with climate change, advanced manufacturing, sustainability, health care, etc will do better than others based on the new administration priorities.
What will help Chemistry Laboratory Assistants increase their earning potential?
Dr. Ajay Mahajan: Anyone that can and has adapted to remote working will do fine. Remote working also comes with the caveat that you have to sometimes work alone, without supervision, make decisions on your own, and yet be a team player. Learning new platforms for meetings, business operations, project management and effective leadership will help in increased earning potential. In engineering, being involved in robotics, automation, sustainability, advanced manufacturing, Industry 4.0, smart systems, cyber-security, biomedical innovation, etc., is a plus.
What will help Chemistry Laboratory Assistants increase their earning potential?
Lucas Tucker Ph.D.: The business of chemistry is a $797 Billion enterprise and a key element of the nation's economy. Over 26% of U.S. GDP is generated from industries that rely on chemistry, ranging from agriculture to oil and gas production, from semiconductors and electronics to textiles and vehicles, and from pharmaceuticals to residential and commercial energy efficiency products.www.americanchemistry.com
Having a degree in chemistry or biochemistry is a good way to have good earning potential. To increase this potential, participation in internships and research experiences are valuable. Often students choose to go on and further their education with graduate degrees. This can also increase earning potential. Students with a degree in chemistry or biochemistry are expected to have strong data skills and this is an area with large growth in industry presently.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Chemistry Laboratory Assistants?
Lucas Tucker Ph.D.: The coronavirus pandemic will almost certainly have some impact on student learning. Much of this gap will be closed in the first few years of employment if students work in fields directly using skills learned in the classes affected directly by the pandemic. This will affect skills, especially lab skills, from schools who stayed virtual. This is why we pushed for in-person lab experiences. Schools will work to close these gaps with students who are in the earlier parts of their education.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Chemistry Laboratory Assistants?
Lucas Tucker Ph.D.: College students are well served to spend time trying to find ways to differentiate their college degree. This can be accomplished by taking additional classes, participating in additional experiences, and providing service to their community. In chemistry, internships and experience in research are excellent examples of high impact practices that allow scientific maturation. Relationships with your professors and other students and community members can have a real networking benefit. Introducing students to scientific community members can help advance job prospects.
What will help Chemistry Laboratory Assistants increase their earning potential?
Xenia Morin Ph.D.: Helping new farmers have access to good mentors, facilities, infrastructure, and land as well as easy access to on-going training to incorporate more sustainable practices and build business skills.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Chemistry Laboratory Assistants?
Xenia Morin Ph.D.: Yes. Food systems are changing and people have realized that there is a need for local and regional food systems. I expect that people will continue to buy more food locally, when food is available, for the near future. Others will start their own businesses and gardens and try producing some food at home and for their community.
What's a day at work look like for a Chemistry Laboratory Assistant?
Xenia Morin Ph.D.: Students who are interested in producing food will find themselves in indoor cultivation facilities as well as out in the field. Others will find themselves helping to bring more sustainable practices and awareness to the state.
What will help Chemistry Laboratory Assistants increase their earning potential?
Tandra Chakraborty: I consider two things to help with earning potential: hard work and the other is vigilance. Even in this pandemic, some students have made a ton of money. You have to think outside of the box. Try to find ways to shape your credentials so that you make a path for future earnings.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Chemistry Laboratory Assistants?
Nicholas Oberlies Ph.D.: The entire world is affected by COVID. I'm sure that is true for Chemistry and Biochemistry majors. In the short term, it likely means that the students may be behind a semester. In addition, students likely lost opportunities for networking via canceled conferences. While virtual conferences were a nice bandaid, nothing replaces meeting people in person. This is probably especially true for graduate students.
For the long term, however, I believe the world is starting to recognize that science matters. Recently, I just read an article about one of the first biologists (Professor Tom Brock) to study bacteria in hydrothermal vents. He was doing this in the 1960s, and his basic research helped pave the way for the Nobel Prize winning work in the PCR and the life-saving work that is needed for COVID screening. This was an article about a basic scientist but published in USA Today. Not only does the public need to know more about what scientists are doing, I believe that the public seems to have a hunger for such knowledge. So, while the short term might look a little messy and less than ideal, perhaps the long term horizon for science will be improving.
What will help Chemistry Laboratory Assistants increase their earning potential?
Nicholas Oberlies Ph.D.: I think the ability to communicate your science, either/both in writing or in speaking, is critically important. It is no trick to talk over someone's head. It is easy to rattle off a bunch of abbreviations and confuse someone. The real skill is the ability to convey your science in a manner that allows people to understand. Even if the nuts and bolts of day-to-day research work is over their heads, conveying what you are doing and why it's important is critical. The most successful scientists work on honing such communication skills daily.
Dr. Brian Augustine Ph.D.
Professor of Chemistry and ChairHigh Point University
Department of Chemistry
What type of skills will young Chemistry Laboratory Assistants need?
Dr. Brian Augustine Ph.D.: Students always need foundational technical skills. In addition to skills specific to chemistry and biochemistry, strong communication and interpersonal skills such as writing, speaking, and collaboration are vital, as are quantitative reasoning skills such as data analytics, statistical analysis, and programming.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Chemistry Laboratory Assistants in the next 3-5 years?
Peter Rosado: Right now, with COVID-19, I feel that the field of medicinal chemistry/biotechnology is going to see a boom. Materials science is also on the rise with alternative energies and new restorative therapies. The area of chemistry is not a more extended purist and more integrated/interdisciplinary. No longer can you call yourself an "inorganic chemist" or an "analytical chemist"? Graduates should be aware that flexibility and eagerness to learn new things is critical here. These are the skills obtained from a college degree, which is not the only subject matter. But the ability to think through and solve problems, be flexible, adaptable, etc.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Chemistry Laboratory Assistants?
Anuradha Vummenthala: I don't envision the significant enduring impact of the Coronavirus pandemic on graduates looking for jobs in the Chemistry field. I do acknowledge that the current scenario appears gloomy. It has undoubtedly impacted everyone's lives socially, economically, and psychologically. But we, as humans and especially as Americans, have remarkable resilience, and we are bound to bounce back more vital than ever before.
We managed through the Great Recession and the economic crisis of 2008. The graduates may face some short-term challenges due to a hiring freeze and delayed start date on new hiring. However, the economy is slowly opening up, and opportunities will soon start pouring in. This is not going to last forever! Graduates can efficiently utilize this time to broaden their skill sets, expand their network, and explore non-traditional career paths like scientific writings, patent drafting, federal jobs, etc
What general advice would you give to a Chemistry Laboratory Assistant?
Lynn Monteith: Chemistry is one of the hardest majors to earn. If you have a chemistry degree, you have opened up the door to many rewarding opportunities. Find a field in chemistry you are passionate about and stick with it.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Chemistry Laboratory Assistants?
Lynn Monteith: The pandemic is already impacting new graduates' ability to secure jobs. It is also affecting students who are currently enrolled in college courses. Some students choose to take a year off from school with hopes of returning to campus after the pandemic is over.
What general advice would you give to a Chemistry Laboratory Assistant?
Dr. Betsy Smith: I would advise students just graduating to be flexible and open-minded in their job search. Chemistry is a challenging major, and students who succeed in it have learned how to learn, so they shouldn't assume that pure chemistry is the only thing they can do. One growing field is biomedical research, and chemistry majors are often qualified for jobs in that area. If you have other strengths like writing, there are often jobs that can combine them as a technical writer or work for a science journal. There are jobs out there that might be perfect for you that you haven't heard of until you see an ad for it, so be open to different possibilities.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Chemistry Laboratory Assistants?
Dr. Betsy Smith: I am sure the pandemic is going to have lasting effects on everything, chemistry included. I think all industries are going to continue allowing more working from home when it's appropriate. For bench chemists, that will rarely mean fully at-home because of lab work, but it might mean going in, setting up an automated reactor, and monitoring it from home while analyzing data. There will be a lot more research into coronaviruses and how to treat coronavirus infections. That seems like it would be more biological or medical, but there's a lot of chemistry involved in drugs and drug design, and a lot of overlap between chemistry and biology.
How do you envision technology impacting Chemistry Laboratory Assistants in the next 5 years?
Dr. James Leahy Ph.D.: Advances in instrumentation and automation always allow chemists to come into play, since they often lead to increased evaluation (drug discovery samples, materials, manufactured goods). The chemists are there to interpret the data and optimize the process.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Chemistry Laboratory Assistants?
Dr. James Leahy Ph.D.: I would say there will not be an enduring impact, though that answer is based on a return to primarily face-to-face instruction by this time next year. The use of online/virtual labs is not ideal, in a way that watching exercise videos does not give one six-pack abs or playing Madden does not make one a professional football player. We are already offering partial face-to-face labs to mitigate this, and a return to full face-to-face labs will allow students to pick up the skills they may not have perfected in earlier labs.