General Information/Overview
In Wisconsin, being a Chemist you could potentially make $37,340 to $88,260 per year. National chemists can make $39,250 to $116,130 per year. 2010 employment statistics were at about 82,200 people, and by 2020 rates are predicted to go up by 4% and have about 85,400 working jobs. Similar careers to a Chemist are Chemical Engineers, and Physicists and Astronomers. Other websites that can be used for information http://www.aocs.org/ and http://careerplanning.about.com/od/occupations/p/chemist.htm.
Education & Training
Some classes you can take while you're in high school are AP Pre-Calculus and Physics. You need majors and degrees in the specific chemistry you would like to work with. 1 specific requirement is a bachelor's degree, but a PhD is preferred. A way to advance in this career is get further educations, PhD chemists usually lead research teams and have control over the direction and content of projects.
Nature of Work
Everyday, Chemists plan and carry out complex research projects, such as the development of new products, processes, and testing methods. They also prepare test solutions, compounds, and reagents (such as aids) used in laboratory procedures. Some risks to this job are working with hazardous chemicals. Chemists work full time and regular hours, though longer hours are common when in the middle of a project. It brings in a good income and easy work hours, but it takes a lot of schooling and you always have that risk of working with hazardous chemicals.