Industrial Chemist
28AI EXPOSURE TODAY28
20-YEAR SCENARIO
NOT A FORECAST73%
NOT A FORECAST73%
THE DOOR · ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAYB
STARTING PAY£30,000 - £40,000
NO MOATNo physical, legal or personal barrier protects this work from software.
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CAREERMASH (EN)FROM PHYSICAL SCIENCES →
Industrial Chemist
Industrial chemists play a pivotal role in the development of products that improve our daily lives, from pharmaceuticals to materials. Their expertise in chemical processes not only drives innovation but also ensures sustainability and safety in manufacturing, making them vital to the UK’s economy and global advancements.
THE DOOR: ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAY, graded A (easy) to E (extremely hard). A Careermash rule-of-thumb index built from our AI exposure index and the job's moat class. It is not a forecast and not a count of job openings.
AI EXPOSURE TODAY is a Careermash index from 0 to 100 of how exposed this job's everyday tasks are to AI today. We estimate it by matching published research on how people use AI to this job, usually by keyword or subject area, and we lower it where the work is protected (for example by physical, personal or legal requirements). It is not a direct measurement of how much people in this job use AI.
AI helps here, but has not taken over
AI exposure for this job is below 50 on our index, and the day-to-day work still leans on a person to decide, check and take responsibility. Nothing formally protects this job though, so the safest move is to keep building the judgement AI cannot yet copy.
Career progression path
1FIRST STEPJunior Industrial ChemistAs a Junior Industrial Chemist, you will assist in laboratory experiments and data analysis, gaining hands-on experience in chemical processes and product development.£30,000 - £40,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEMid-Level Industrial ChemistIn this role, you will lead projects, mentor junior chemists, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive product innovation and process optimisation.£50,000 - £65,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior Industrial ChemistAs a Senior Industrial Chemist, you will oversee research initiatives, develop strategic plans, and ensure that your team meets organisational goals while adhering to industry standards.£85,000+
Apprenticeship listings for this career → (June 2026 snapshot; check closing dates on the official service)
The degree route
Courses in this career's subject area, from the live library of 35,000; every one is AI impact assessed through its actual graduate destinations.
🎓Physics with AstrophysicsUniversity of Exeter · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£35,000 median
🎓Acoustical Engineering with Industrial Placement YearUniversity of Southampton · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£32,000 median
🎓Chemistry with Cosmetic ScienceThe University of Reading · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£29,000 median
🎓Chemistry with Medicinal ChemistryThe University of Manchester · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£29,000 median
All Physical Sciences courses as cards →
There is more than one way in
You do not have to go the university route to get here. There is also a vocational route that skips a degree entirely.
Degree subjects that lead this way
Courses in this career's subject area, from the same register that priced the degree above. Subject-matched, not a guaranteed qualifying route: check each course's own entry requirements and any professional accreditation before you rely on it.
Physics with AstrophysicsUniversity of Exeter · DegreeAcoustical Engineering with Industrial Placement YearUniversity of Southampton · DegreePhysicsQueen's University of Belfast · DegreeChemistry with Cosmetic ScienceThe University of Reading · DegreeChemistry with Medicinal ChemistryThe University of Manchester · DegreePhysicsUniversity of Aberdeen · Degree