Chemist Jobs in California

A Chemist in the chemistry industry is primarily engaged in the study and experimentation of substances at the atomic and molecular levels. They examine the various ways in which the chemical substances interact, combine, and change to create various compounds. They are responsible for developing new and improved chemical products, processes, and materials. Chemists also perform quality control tests, prepare technical reports, and conduct research to advance knowledge in the field. Essential skills for this role include analytical thinking, problem-solving, attention to detail, and strong mathematical capabilities. Proficiency in laboratory techniques and the use of scientific software is also required.

Before becoming a Chemist, one may have roles such as Laboratory Technician, where they would gain experience in handling laboratory equipment, conducting tests, and maintaining a safe work environment. Another possible role is a Research Assistant, providing support for scientific experiments and data collection. These roles provide valuable practical experience and a chance to apply theoretical knowledge in a real-world setting. Important certifications to have would include a degree in Chemistry or a related field, and depending on the specific role, a postgraduate degree may be beneficial. Some positions may also require certification from a recognized professional body like the American Chemical Society (ACS).

1-15 of 1,480 Jobs

Quality Control Specialist

  • El Cajon, CA
  • 2 days ago
  • El Cajon, CA
  • 2 days ago

Job ID Number R5705 Employment Type Full time Worksite Flexibility Onsite Job Summary As a Quality Control Specialist, you will develop, implement, and maintain quality control systems to ensure...

Microbiology Clinical Lab Scientist

  • San Jose, CA
  • 30+ days ago
  • San Jose, CA
  • 30+ days ago

Description Hourly Wage Estimate: $59.20 - $72.61 / hour Learn more about the benefits offered for this job. The estimate displayed represents the typical wage range of candidates hired. Factors...

Clinical Lab Scientist II Full Time Days

  • Thousand Palms, CA
  • 10 hours ago
  • Thousand Palms, CA
  • 10 hours ago

***Up to $20,000 Sign-On bonus based on experience*** JFK Memorial Hospital has provided medical care to residents in the Coachella Valley since 1966. A group of physicians, including Dr. Reynaldo...

Human Factors Research Scientist

  • Chula Vista, CA
  • 4 days ago
  • Chula Vista, CA
  • 4 days ago

Description Leidos currently has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Research Scientist to lead the development of Human Factors solutions for the Information and Data Sciences Division of the...

Senior Scientist - New Product Development, R&D

  • Torrance, CA
  • 2 hours ago
  • Torrance, CA
  • 2 hours ago

The essential requirements of the job include: Master's degree or equivalent in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, or a related field, with 3+ years of experience in liquid chromatography...

Clinical Laboratory Scientist II Full Time Nights

  • Indio, CA
  • 45+ days ago
  • Indio, CA
  • 45+ days ago

Up to $20,000 Sign On Bonus available based on experience JFK Memorial Hospital has provided medical care to residents in the Coachella Valley since 1966. A group of physicians, including Dr....

Compensation: $2,015.39 - $2,208.35, Weekly Compensation: $2,015.39 - $2,208.35, Weekly

Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS)

  • Ventura, CA
  • moments ago
  • Ventura, CA
  • moments ago

Compensation The pay range above represents the lowest possible rate for the position and the highest possible rate. Factors that may be used to determine where newly hired employees will be...

Police Forensic Analyst I/II - Police Sexual Assault Investigation Unit

  • San Jose, CA
  • moments ago
  • San Jose, CA
  • moments ago

The San José Police Department is dedicated to providing public safety through community partnerships and 21st Century Policing practices, ensuring equity for all. The Department is committed to...

Principal Applied Scientist

  • San Diego, CA
  • moments ago
  • San Diego, CA
  • moments ago

Analytical Development Research Scientist Scientist II (Must Have RESEARCH LABORATORY & PROJECTS) TEMP - Scientist, Analytical Chemistry, Research Field Applications Scientist (BFX Support) Molecular...

Branch Quality Control Analyst (Remote- AZ, CO, KS, NM, MO or TX)

  • Sacramento, CA
  • 6 hours ago
  • Sacramento, CA
  • 6 hours ago

The **Branch Quality Control Analyst** is responsible for performing independent, quality control reviews of retail branch locations to identify operational and compliance risk within the retail...

Remote Work

Environmental Field Chemist (CleanPack Chemist)

  • West Sacramento, CA
  • 6 hours ago
  • West Sacramento, CA
  • 6 hours ago

The Environmental Field Chemist are (NOT) laboratory-based Chemist....

CVI Process Engineer - Onsite

  • Carlsbad, CA
  • 6 hours ago
  • Carlsbad, CA
  • 6 hours ago

Date Posted: 2025-07-11 Country: United States of America Location: PW192: Carlsbad 5940 Darwin Court, Carlsbad, CA, 92008 USA Position Role Type: Onsite U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration...

2025 CFRP Composites Materials Scientist

  • El Segundo, CA
  • 6 hours ago
  • El Segundo, CA
  • 6 hours ago

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nations space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded...

Chemist

  • Culver City, CA
  • 6 hours ago
  • Culver City, CA
  • 6 hours ago

(UHPLC), Gas Chromatography/Flame Ionization Detector (GC/FID), Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS), Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP/MS), Ion Chromatography (IC),and spectroscopic...

Demographic Data for California

Moving to California? Find some basic demographic data about California below.


Local
National
39,536,271
996,598

Chemist Online Courses and Training Opportunities

iHireChemists curates thousands of courses in order to recommend the best ones to help further your career. If you register for a course using the links on our site, we may receive a small commission.
Certified Marine Chemist (CMC) Exam
Course Title: Certified Marine Chemist (CMC) Exam Preparation CourseCourse Description:The Certified Marine Chemist (CMC) Exam Preparation Course is a comprehensive online learning program...
Quantum Mechanics for Scientists and Engineers 1
This 9 week course aims to teach quantum mechanics to anyone with a reasonable college-level understanding of physical science or engineering. Quantum mechanics was once mostly of interest to...
Discovering Science: Medicinal Chemistry
Discover how chemotherapy has evolved, and some of the breakthroughs and developments chemists have made in the fight against cancer over the last 10 years. Diagnostic imaging examines how...

Title Synonyms

Users interested in this job title also searched for the following job titles


Salary for Chemist Jobs in California

Estimated salary range based on data from US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and iHireChemists research efforts.

Licensing / Certification

Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Chemist positions.



Highest Education Level

Chemists in California offer the following education background
Bachelor's Degree
45.7%
Doctorate Degree
26.3%
Master's Degree
24.6%
Associate's Degree
1.5%
High School or GED
1.0%
Vocational Degree or Certification
0.7%
Some College
0.1%
Some High School
0.1%

Average Work Experience
Here's a breakdown of the number of years' experience offered by Chemists in California
None
32.8%
Less than 1 year
18.1%
1-2 years
16.9%
4-6 years
11.4%
6-8 years
7.8%
2-4 years
7.0%
10+ years
6.0%

Qualifications / Skill Sets

The following top skills are often required or desired to land a Chemist position


In-Demand skills () are the most popular among employers according to the current jobs in our database. Last updated today!

Other Career Titles

Here are some other career titles that require similar skills



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