Royal Society of Chemistry
Chemistry is everywhere – affecting the manufacture of all that you touch and wear, developing new medicines and finding solutions for the pressures on energy, food and water to help us to live more sustainably.
The Royal Society of Chemistry connects scientists with each other and society, so they can do their best work and make discoveries and innovation happen.
By pursuing a career in chemistry, you could help create a vaccine that saves millions of lives. Or invent a new way to cut air pollution. Or create a new type of biodegradable plastic. A qualification in chemistry opens doors to a wide range of careers.
Did you know that a chemists median salary is £7,500 more than the UK media average for other job postings, with the average salary of £38,590? (Lightcast data 2023)
A chemistry qualification opens the door to a wide range of careers options, both in and out of the lab, and the good news is the growth in the sector is not slowing down – with the chemical sciences workforce set to grow 30% faster than the overall labour market!
As a chemist, you could be tackling the world’s biggest challenges and making a difference to the planet and society. From innovating solutions to fight climate change, developing life-saving medicines, designing future energy technologies or taking on plastic pollution. There are so many green career in chemistry – which one will you choose?
Study Options
There are many different qualifications and routes you can take to become a professional chemical scientist and have a successful career in chemistry.
Job Profiles
Real-life stories from real-life chemical scientists.
Taryn tests our food, drink and medicines to make sure it’s safe to consume.
Gary is fixing problems in DNA research to help scientists make new discoveries.
Sharlotte makes environmentally friendly, safe cosmetic products.
Paul uses chemistry to manufacture zero-waste sugar.
Beth monitors the water quality at the construction site of a new nuclear power plant.
Christina is helping to create life-changing medicines while studying for a degree through an apprenticeship.
Chemistry jobs on your doorstep
Looking for work experience or job inspiration?
Find local chemistry companies and find out what they’re doing with our map of employers.
More Information
If you want more information about what you’ve read in the guides, click the buttons below to find answers to some of our most commonly asked questions
Explore 90+ career stories and job profiles to find the career that’s right for you!
Find your dream job!
What if your hobbies and interests could drive your career? Take our quiz and get inspiration about career paths based on your answers. It only takes 5 minutes!
Check out career videos on our TikTok channel
From sustainable fashion to renewable energy, a career in chemistry can make a difference. Find out more from those already making the impact, plus explore videos that spotlight the chemistry that’s all around us and show you chemistry experiments that you can do at home.
#MakingTheDifference
Follow us on TikTok!
The RSC is your sidekick
There’s no point trying to find a job alone, when you could do it as part of a community instead. For an awesome future in chemistry, we’re here to back you up – every step of the way.
You can join the RSC for free when you become a uni student, an apprentice or go straight into a chemistry role from school. Members get access to career support, networking, funding, events and webinars, wellbeing assistance, and lots of discounts.
Use chemistry to change the world – with our support.
