Are you a chemical engineer who just graduated and got your degree? Now you are wondering is major chemicals a good career path for you or not. There are numerous positions available in this industry. According to analytics, there will be 8% to 9% growth from 2024 to 2032 for chemical engineer employment. So, in this article, let’s uncover ‘is major chemical a good career path’ to choose or not…
What Is The Major Chemical Industry?
Before knowing the answer to ‘Is major chemicals a good career path?’ You need to understand what the major chemical sector is. The chemical industry combines other industries, including raw material suppliers and the natural resources sector.
The chemical industry is one of the largest and fastest-growing sectors worldwide. This industry offers a wide range of career opportunities in this sector, including the pharmaceutical, petroleum, environment, and energy sectors, etc.
You can choose your career in different job roles like production manager, chemical engineer, quality control inspector, research and development scientist, and sales or marketing manager. These are the highest-paid job roles in this major chemical industry. Read the next section to learn more about the top highest-paid job roles in the chemical industry.
Top 6 Jobs In Major Chemical Sector
Now you know about the major chemical industry and the sectors involved in it. So, let’s have a look at these top highest-paid jobs in the major chemical sector. By analyzing the salary and job role, you can choose the perfect career according to your skills and work style. Here are the top 6 jobs in the major chemicals sector…
1. Quality Control Inspector
(Average Salary In The US: $82,500 per year)
If you are looking for a career in a major chemical industry, then quality control inspectors are one of the crucial job roles in this industry. The primary duty of a quality control inspector is to ensure that the final product fulfills all the quality requirements and meets market standards.
If you want to become a quality control inspector in the chemical industry then you have to monitor the product quality, run quality standard tests, maintain all records, and prepare final reports.
2. Nuclear engineer
(Average Salary In The US: $85,500 per year)
Nuclear engineering is another high-paying job in this major chemical industry. If you want to become a nuclear engineer then you need to design the layout, work on radiation machines, maintain the plant, optimize chemical reactions, and maintain safety.
Here are some other skills you need to develop before becoming a nuclear engineer in a major chemical industry: managing the workflow, organizing machines and layouts, technological skills, etc.
3. Process Engineer
(Average Salary In The US: $87,500 per year)
The next job on our top 6 list is process engineer. This is also a high-paying job where you need to execute and optimize the processes of biochemical and industrial chemicals. The main work of a process engineer is to sort out issues and optimize the production process.
If you want to make a career as a process engineer, then here are some skills you need to improve: Analytical skills, attention to detail, design skills (designing a new plant and process), problem-solving skills, and management skills.
4. Chemical Engineer
(Average Salary In The US: $92,200 per year)
Chemical engineers are one of the crucial assets of this industry. The primary duty of a chemical engineer is to develop and formulate chemical manufacturing processes. Chemical engineers have a strong understanding of engineering principles of chemistry, engineering equipment, etc.
There are other responsibilities of a chemical engineer, including monitoring the manufacturing process, testing products and raw materials, keeping an eye on safety, designing equipment or layouts, and keeping records.
5. Pharmacologist
(Average Salary In The US: $120,250 per year)
Pharmacologists are also involved in this chemical sector. The main role of a pharmacist is to research and study chemical compounds and develop new products. The salary of a pharmacologist is very high, according to a US job market study.
To become a pharmacologist, you need to have a strong understanding of chemicals and drugs, develop new and efficient formulas, optimize chemicals, test their effectiveness, and publish reports.
6. Oil and Gas Engineer
(Average Salary In The US: $124,100 per year)
Oil and gas engineers, or petroleum engineers, are the main source of extracting chemicals and other compounds for this major chemical industry. There are two types of work life, you can either choose to work at the drilling site or you can choose to work in the laboratories.
The job role of a petroleum engineer includes extracting oil, gas, and other natural resources, testing raw materials, maintaining safety, and keeping records.
Is Major Chemicals A Good Career Path?
Now the real question is, ‘is major chemicals a good career path?’ The answer will vary depending on the level of education you have. As you can see chemical engineers, pharmacists, and quality test inspectors require skills and understanding of chemicals and compounds. Here are some pros and cons that will help you to get a better idea about this industry.
Pros | Cons |
The demand for this chemical sector is always high. | The work is risky and accidents can happen frequently |
The pay scale is excellent, especially if you have advanced skills and the right qualifications. | The industry needs very highly qualified workers or engineers. |
There are various industries connected with this industry. |
Conclusion: Can I Give Major Chemical Industry A Shot?
In the end, if you are in the early stages of professional life or have recently graduated, you can give it a shot to check whether it is a good fit for you or not. This industry is for those who want to make a career in chemistry or scientific labs. I hope you have your answer to ‘Is major chemicals a good career path or not?’ If you have any other queries regarding this topic, feel free to ask me in the comment section. Also, read these articles below to learn more about career opportunities…
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