21101 - Chemists
Broad Occupation Category
2 - Natural and applied sciences and related occupations.
TEER
1 - Occupations usually require a university degree.
Major Group
21 - Professional occupations in natural and applied sciences.
Sub-major Group
211 - Professional occupations in natural sciences.
Minor Group
2110 - Physical science professionals.
Main Duties
Chemists perform some or all of the following duties:
- Analyze and synthesize chemical compounds
- Conduct quality-control testing of raw and finished materials
- Investigate environmental contaminants
- Develop new chemical formulations and industrial processes
- Conduct fundamental and applied research
- Study drug mechanisms and health impacts
- Work on interdisciplinary research and development teams
- Act as a technical consultant
- Supervise junior chemists and technicians
- Support commercialization of new products
Employment Requirements
These are the typical employment requirements and benefits associated with this occupation in Canada:
- A bachelor's degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or a related field is usually required.
- A master's degree or PhD may be required for research roles.
- Provincial licensing is required in Quebec and may be voluntary or preferred in some other provinces.
- Regulatory requirements may vary by province and employer.
- Many employers offer pension plans, medical and dental coverage, life insurance, paid leave, and employer contributions to pension and employment insurance programs.
Chemists Salary Prospects
Community/Area
Low ($/hour)
Median ($/hour)
High ($/hour)
Community/AreaCanada
Low ($/hour)20.81
Median ($/hour)35.90
High ($/hour)64.90
Community/AreaAlberta
Low ($/hour)38.46
Median ($/hour)53.85
High ($/hour)80.00
Community/AreaBritish Columbia
Low ($/hour)25.00
Median ($/hour)33.65
High ($/hour)74.36
Community/AreaManitoba
Low ($/hour)32.97
Median ($/hour)43.27
High ($/hour)55.77
Community/AreaNew Brunswick
Low ($/hour)14.75
Median ($/hour)31.79
High ($/hour)43.27
Community/AreaNewfoundland and Labrador
Low ($/hour)24.02
Median ($/hour)41.13
High ($/hour)59.16
Community/AreaNova Scotia
Low ($/hour)14.50
Median ($/hour)32.82
High ($/hour)38.46
Community/AreaOntario
Low ($/hour)20.81
Median ($/hour)37.03
High ($/hour)71.79
Community/AreaPrince Edward Island
Low ($/hour)19.00
Median ($/hour)31.79
High ($/hour)58.17
Community/AreaQuebec
Low ($/hour)21.85
Median ($/hour)31.43
High ($/hour)62.50
Community/AreaSaskatchewan
Low ($/hour)27.00
Median ($/hour)34.62
High ($/hour)46.63
