Job outlooks for Chemists

Discover the employment prospects for your dream job across Canada, or compare different occupations.

Occupation

biochemist (21101)

Location

All regions across Canada

Did you know? You can visit the Open Government Portal to search through and download our Employment Outlooks data all in one place. There, you will find current and previous versions of our 3-Year Employment Outlooks reports for the periods of 2013-2015 to 2025-2027. View the dataset on the Open Government Portal.

These outlooks were updated on December 10, 2025.

Legend

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Limited
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Moderate
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Good
5 out of 5 stars
Very good

  • Newfoundland and LabradorUndetermined

    An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

    Regional outlooks

  • Prince Edward IslandGood

    The employment outlook will be Good for chemists (NOC 21101) in Prince Edward Island for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about chemists in Prince Edward Island:

    • Approximately 150 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
    • Chemists mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Chemical manufacturing (NAICS 325): 82%
    • 76% of chemists work all year, while 24% work only part of the year, compared to 59% and 41% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 44 weeks compared to 41 weeks for all occupations.
    • The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
      • Men: 33% compared to 51% for all occupations
      • Women: 67% compared to 49% for all occupations
    • The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
      • no high school diploma: n/a
      • high school diploma or equivalent: n/a
      • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
      • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: n/a
      • bachelor's degree: 65% compared to 17% for all occupations
      • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 28% compared to 8% for all occupations

  • Nova ScotiaModerate

    The employment outlook will be Moderate for chemists (NOC 21101) in Nova Scotia for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about chemists in Nova Scotia:

    • Approximately 250 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
    • Chemists mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 28%
      • Plastics and rubber products and chemicals manufacturing (NAICS 325-326): 19%
      • Architectural, engineering and design services (NAICS 5413): 17%
      • Other professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 5414, 5416-5419): 9%
      • Universities (NAICS 6113): 6%
    • 89% of chemists work all year, while 11% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 50 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
    • The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
      • Men: 52% compared to 51% for all occupations
      • Women: 48% compared to 49% for all occupations
    • The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
      • no high school diploma: n/a
      • high school diploma or equivalent: n/a
      • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
      • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: less than 5% compared to 22% for all occupations
      • bachelor's degree: 50% compared to 20% for all occupations
      • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 46% compared to 10% for all occupations

    Regional outlooks

    • Halifax Region Moderate

      The employment outlook will be Moderate for chemists (NOC 21101) in the Halifax region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about chemists in the Halifax region:

      • Approximately 150 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Chemists mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 54): 40%
        • Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 28%
        • Plastics and rubber products and chemicals manufacturing (NAICS 325-326): 11%
        • Retail Trade (NAICS 44-45): 9%
        • Food, beverage and tobacco product manufacturing (NAICS 311, 312): 8%

  • New BrunswickUndetermined

    An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

    Regional outlooks

  • QuebecModerate

    The employment outlook will be Moderate for chemists (NOC 21101) in Quebec for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about chemists in Quebec:

    • Approximately 4,450 people work in this occupation.
    • Chemists mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Chemical manufacturing (NAICS 325): 35%
      • Other professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 5414, 5416-5419): 13%
      • Food, beverage and tobacco product manufacturing (NAICS 311, 312): 8%
      • Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 8%
      • Architectural, engineering and design services (NAICS 5413): 6%
    • 76% of chemists work all year, while 24% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 46 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
    • Less than 5% of chemists are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.
    • The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
      • Men: 52% compared to 52% for all occupations
      • Women: 48% compared to 48% for all occupations
    • The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
      • no high school diploma: n/a
      • high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 19% for all occupations
      • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
      • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 6% compared to 22% for all occupations
      • bachelor's degree: 45% compared to 17% for all occupations
      • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 48% compared to 11% for all occupations

    Regional outlooks

    • Abitibi-Témiscamingue Region Moderate

      The employment outlook will be Moderate for chemists (NOC 21101) in the Abitibi - Témiscamingue region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about chemists in the Abitibi - Témiscamingue region:

      • Approximately 80 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Chemists mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 54): 65%
        • Primary metal manufacturing (NAICS 331): 17%
        • Management and Administrative Services (NAICS 55-56): 16%

    • Capitale-Nationale Region Moderate

      The employment outlook will be Moderate for chemists (NOC 21101) in the Capitale-Nationale region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
      • Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about chemists in the Capitale-Nationale region:

      • Approximately 380 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Chemists mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Chemical manufacturing (NAICS 325): 38%
        • Professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 54): 18%
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 12%
        • Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 9%
        • Food, beverage and tobacco product manufacturing (NAICS 311, 312): 7%

    • Chaudière-Appalaches Region Moderate

      The employment outlook will be Moderate for chemists (NOC 21101) in the Chaudière - Appalaches region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about chemists in the Chaudière - Appalaches region:

      • Approximately 170 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Chemists mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Chemical manufacturing (NAICS 325): 39%
        • Professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 54): 27%
        • Educational services (NAICS 61): 15%
        • Food, beverage and tobacco product manufacturing (NAICS 311, 312): 12%
        • Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 7%

    • Estrie Region Moderate

      The employment outlook will be Moderate for chemists (NOC 21101) in the Estrie region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
      • Several positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about chemists in the Estrie region:

      • Approximately 120 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Chemists mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Chemical manufacturing (NAICS 325): 35%
        • Educational services (NAICS 61): 24%
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 18%
        • Plastics and rubber products manufacturing (NAICS 326): 12%
        • Professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 54): 12%

    • Lanaudière Region Moderate

      The employment outlook will be Moderate for chemists (NOC 21101) in the Lanaudière region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about chemists in the Lanaudière region:

      • Approximately 120 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Chemists mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Chemical manufacturing (NAICS 325): 65%
        • Professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 54): 19%
        • Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 13%

    • Laurentides Region Good

      The employment outlook will be Good for chemists (NOC 21101) in the Laurentides region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
      • Several positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about chemists in the Laurentides region:

      • Approximately 200 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Chemists mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Chemical manufacturing (NAICS 325): 51%
        • Professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 54): 23%
        • Food, beverage and tobacco product manufacturing (NAICS 311, 312): 13%
        • Management and Administrative Services (NAICS 55-56): 9%
        • Educational services (NAICS 61): 5%

    • Laval Region Moderate

      The employment outlook will be Moderate for chemists (NOC 21101) in the census metropolitan area of Montréal, including the Laval region, for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about chemists in the census metropolitan area of Montréal, including the Laval region,:

      • Approximately 3,160 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.

    • Montréal Region Moderate

      The employment outlook will be Moderate for chemists (NOC 21101) in the census metropolitan area of Montréal for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about chemists in the census metropolitan area of Montréal:

      • Approximately 3,160 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.

    • Montérégie Region Moderate

      The employment outlook will be Moderate for chemists (NOC 21101) in the Montérégie region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about chemists in the Montérégie region:

      • Approximately 860 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Chemists mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Chemical manufacturing (NAICS 325): 40%
        • Professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 54): 21%
        • Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 12%
        • Food, beverage and tobacco product manufacturing (NAICS 311, 312): 11%

    • Outaouais Region Moderate

      The employment outlook will be Moderate for chemists (NOC 21101) in the Outaouais region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
      • Several positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about chemists in the Outaouais region:

      • Approximately 80 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Chemists mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 63%
        • Chemical manufacturing (NAICS 325): 24%
        • Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 13%

  • OntarioModerate

    The employment outlook will be Moderate for chemists (NOC 21101) in Ontario for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment decline will lead to the loss of some positions.
    • Several positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about chemists in Ontario:

    • Approximately 8,200 people work in this occupation.
    • Chemists mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Chemical manufacturing (NAICS 325): 40%
      • Other professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 5414, 5416-5419): 11%
      • Architectural, engineering and design services (NAICS 5413): 10%
      • Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 7%
      • Food, beverage and tobacco product manufacturing (NAICS 311, 312): 6%
    • 80% of chemists work all year, while 20% work only part of the year, compared to 63% and 37% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 47 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
    • Less than 5% of chemists are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.
    • The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
      • Men: 51% compared to 52% for all occupations
      • Women: 49% compared to 48% for all occupations
    • The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
      • no high school diploma: n/a
      • high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 25% for all occupations
      • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
      • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: less than 5% compared to 22% for all occupations
      • bachelor's degree: 46% compared to 24% for all occupations
      • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 50% compared to 13% for all occupations

    Regional outlooks

    • Hamilton–Niagara Peninsula Region Moderate

      The employment outlook will be Moderate for chemists (NOC 21101) in the Hamilton - Niagara Peninsula region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment decline will lead to the loss of some positions.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about chemists in the Hamilton - Niagara Peninsula region:

      • Approximately 630 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Chemists mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Chemical manufacturing (NAICS 325): 46%
        • Professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 54): 26%
        • Food, beverage and tobacco product manufacturing (NAICS 311, 312): 5%

    • Kingston–Pembroke Region Moderate

      The employment outlook will be Moderate for chemists (NOC 21101) in the Kingston - Pembroke region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about chemists in the Kingston - Pembroke region:

      • Approximately 190 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Chemists mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 54): 69%
        • Chemical manufacturing (NAICS 325): 12%
        • Educational services (NAICS 61): 10%
        • Food, beverage and tobacco product manufacturing (NAICS 311, 312): 7%

    • Kitchener–Waterloo–Barrie Region Moderate

      The employment outlook will be Moderate for chemists (NOC 21101) in the Kitchener - Waterloo - Barrie region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment decline will lead to the loss of some positions.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about chemists in the Kitchener - Waterloo - Barrie region:

      • Approximately 660 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Chemists mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 54): 33%
        • Chemical manufacturing (NAICS 325): 26%
        • Food, beverage and tobacco product manufacturing (NAICS 311, 312): 13%
        • Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 7%

    • London Region Moderate

      The employment outlook will be Moderate for chemists (NOC 21101) in the London region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment decline will lead to the loss of some positions.
      • Several positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about chemists in the London region:

      • Approximately 160 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Chemists mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Chemical manufacturing (NAICS 325): 24%
        • Professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 54): 21%
        • Food, beverage and tobacco product manufacturing (NAICS 311, 312): 19%
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 13%
        • Miscellaneous manufacturing (NAICS 339): 11%

    • Ottawa Region Limited

      The employment outlook will be Limited for chemists (NOC 21101) in the Ottawa region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment decline will lead to the loss of some positions.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about chemists in the Ottawa region:

      • Approximately 720 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Chemists mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 44%
        • Chemical manufacturing (NAICS 325): 14%
        • Educational services (NAICS 61): 11%
        • Professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 54): 10%

    • Toronto Region Moderate

      The employment outlook will be Moderate for chemists (NOC 21101) in the Toronto region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment decline will lead to the loss of some positions.
      • Several positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about chemists in the Toronto region:

      • Approximately 4,550 people work in this occupation.
      • Chemists mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Chemical manufacturing (NAICS 325): 49%
        • Professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 54): 24%
        • Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 7%

    • Windsor-Sarnia Region Moderate

      The employment outlook will be Moderate for chemists (NOC 21101) in the Windsor - Sarnia region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment decline will lead to the loss of some positions.
      • Several positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about chemists in the Windsor - Sarnia region:

      • Approximately 210 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Chemists mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Chemical manufacturing (NAICS 325): 36%
        • Professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 54): 25%
        • Petroleum and coal product manufacturing (NAICS 324): 10%
        • Miscellaneous manufacturing (NAICS 339): 9%
        • Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 7%

  • ManitobaModerate

    The employment outlook will be Moderate for chemists (NOC 21101) in Manitoba for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment decline will lead to the loss of some positions.
    • Several positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about chemists in Manitoba:

    • Approximately 400 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
    • Chemists mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Chemical manufacturing (NAICS 325): 41%
      • Architectural, engineering and design services (NAICS 5413): 12%
      • Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 10%
      • Food, beverage and tobacco product manufacturing (NAICS 311, 312): 9%
      • Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 9%
    • 81% of chemists work all year, while 19% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 47 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
    • The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
      • Men: 39% compared to 53% for all occupations
      • Women: 61% compared to 47% for all occupations
    • The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
      • no high school diploma: n/a
      • high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 31% for all occupations
      • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
      • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: less than 5% compared to 17% for all occupations
      • bachelor's degree: 51% compared to 20% for all occupations
      • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 42% compared to 8% for all occupations

    Regional outlooks

    • North Region Undetermined

      An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

    • Winnipeg Region Limited

      The employment outlook will be Limited for chemists (NOC 21101) in the Winnipeg region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment decline will lead to the loss of some positions.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about chemists in the Winnipeg region:

      • Approximately 300 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Chemists mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Chemical manufacturing (NAICS 325): 31%
        • Professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 54): 21%
        • Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 14%
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 8%
        • Food, beverage and tobacco product manufacturing (NAICS 311, 312): 7%

  • SaskatchewanGood

    The employment outlook will be Good for chemists (NOC 21101) in Saskatchewan for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about chemists in Saskatchewan:

    • Approximately 250 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
    • Chemists mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Other professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 5414, 5416-5419): 20%
      • Petroleum and coal product manufacturing (NAICS 324): 19%
      • Chemical manufacturing (NAICS 325): 16%
      • Architectural, engineering and design services (NAICS 5413): 10%
      • Utilities (NAICS 22): 6%
    • 67% of chemists work all year, while 33% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 45 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
    • The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
      • Men: 53% compared to 53% for all occupations
      • Women: 47% compared to 47% for all occupations
    • The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
      • no high school diploma: n/a
      • high school diploma or equivalent: n/a
      • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
      • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: n/a
      • bachelor's degree: 63% compared to 18% for all occupations
      • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 31% compared to 7% for all occupations

    Regional outlooks

  • AlbertaModerate

    The employment outlook will be Moderate for chemists (NOC 21101) in Alberta for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
    • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    Here are some key facts about chemists in Alberta:

    • Approximately 1,650 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
    • Chemists mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Architectural, engineering and design services (NAICS 5413): 21%
      • Chemical manufacturing (NAICS 325): 19%
      • Other professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 5414, 5416-5419): 10%
      • Oil and gas extraction (NAICS 211): 8%
      • Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 6%
    • 77% of chemists work all year, while 23% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 46 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
    • Less than 5% of chemists are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.
    • The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
      • Men: 60% compared to 53% for all occupations
      • Women: 40% compared to 47% for all occupations
    • The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
      • no high school diploma: n/a
      • high school diploma or equivalent: n/a
      • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
      • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: less than 5% compared to 19% for all occupations
      • bachelor's degree: 44% compared to 21% for all occupations
      • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 52% compared to 9% for all occupations

    Regional outlooks

    • Calgary Region Moderate

      The employment outlook will be Moderate for chemists (NOC 21101) in the Calgary region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
      • Several positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about chemists in the Calgary region:

      • Approximately 620 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Chemists mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 54): 51%
        • Support activities for mining, oil and gas (NAICS 213): 7%
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 7%
        • Chemical manufacturing (NAICS 325): 6%
        • Educational services (NAICS 61): 6%

    • Edmonton Region Moderate

      The employment outlook will be Moderate for chemists (NOC 21101) in the Edmonton region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
      • A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about chemists in the Edmonton region:

      • Approximately 840 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Chemists mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Chemical manufacturing (NAICS 325): 30%
        • Professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 54): 24%
        • Educational services (NAICS 61): 8%
        • Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 8%
        • Oil and gas extraction (NAICS 211, 213): 7%

  • British ColumbiaModerate

    The employment outlook will be Moderate for chemists (NOC 21101) in British Columbia for the 2025-2027 period.

    The following factors contributed to this outlook:

    • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
    • Several positions will become available due to retirements.
    • There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

    In health sciences, chemistry expertise is applied in computational modeling and molecular design to use machine learning (generative AI) to for drug discovery/ compound generation. 

    Job titles could include: Cheminformatics, Computational chemist, Chemistry data analyst, Medicinal chemistry.

    Here are some key facts about chemists in British Columbia:

    • Approximately 1,750 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
    • Chemists mainly work in the following sectors:
      • Architectural, engineering and design services (NAICS 5413): 19%
      • Chemical manufacturing (NAICS 325): 15%
      • Other professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 5414, 5416-5419): 15%
      • Hospitals (NAICS 622): 7%
      • Food, beverage and tobacco product manufacturing (NAICS 311, 312): 7%
    • The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:
      • Full-time workers: 95% compared to 78% for all occupations
      • Part-time workers: 5% compared to 22% for all occupations
    • 77% of chemists work all year, while 23% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 46 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
    • Less than 5% of chemists are self-employed compared to an average of 17% for all occupations.
    • The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
      • Men: 48% compared to 52% for all occupations
      • Women: 52% compared to 48% for all occupations
    • The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
      • no high school diploma: n/a
      • high school diploma or equivalent: n/a
      • apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
      • college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: less than 5% compared to 17% for all occupations
      • bachelor's degree: 54% compared to 22% for all occupations
      • university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 44% compared to 12% for all occupations

    Regional outlooks

    • Cariboo Region Undetermined

      An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

    • Lower Mainland–Southwest Region Moderate

      The employment outlook will be Moderate for chemists (NOC 21101) in the Lower Mainland - Southwest region for the 2025-2027 period.

      The following factors contributed to this outlook:

      • Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
      • Several positions will become available due to retirements.
      • There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

      Here are some key facts about chemists in the Lower Mainland - Southwest region:

      • Approximately 1,390 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
      • Chemists mainly work in the following sectors:
        • Professional, scientific and technical services (NAICS 54): 40%
        • Chemical manufacturing (NAICS 325): 14%
        • Ambulatory health care services and hospitals (NAICS 621-622): 12%
        • Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 7%
        • Food, beverage and tobacco product manufacturing (NAICS 311, 312): 7%

    • Nechako Region Undetermined

      An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

  • Yukon TerritoryUndetermined

    An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

  • Northwest TerritoriesUndetermined

    An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

  • NunavutUndetermined

    An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.

Related links

Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) - Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)

Labour Market Information Survey
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