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Entry Level Paint Chemist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Associate Chemist provides entry-level professional support, working with projects, and ... Our paints, coatings and innovative solutions make the places and spaces in our world brighter and ...

R&D- Associate Chemist

Bowling Green, KY · On-site

$23.75 - $31.25/hr

The Associate Chemist provides entry-level professional support, working with projects, and ... Our paints, coatings and innovative solutions make the places and spaces in our world brighter and ...

Entry Level Chemical Technician

Montgomery, AL · On-site

$19.75 - $26.50/hr

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or Engineering. EXPERIENCE:0-3 years - Entry Level (Manager is not ... The SR will optimize separation equipment on a daily basis to assist in the removal of paint waste ...

Entry Level Chemical Technician

Montgomery, AL · On-site

$19.75 - $26.50/hr

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or Engineering. EXPERIENCE:0-3 years - Entry Level (Manager is not ... The SR will optimize separation equipment on a daily basis to assist in the removal of paint waste ...

Perform duties related to plumbing, electrical, HVAC, painting, dry wall, pressure washing, welding ... Responsible for checking the water chemistry levels and correcting these parameters to comply with ...

$22 - $25/hr

... lead-based paint, and mold inspecting, sampling, and remediation * Good oral and written ... AS or BS Degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, Geology, Biology, Chemistry, or some ...

Conduct lead-based paint inspections using XRF analyzers, paint chip sampling, dust wipe sampling ... Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Industrial Hygiene, Geology, Chemistry, Biology ...

Environmental Technician

Albany, NY · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Lead-based paint * Radon * Mold * Begins to support installation, operation, and maintenance of ... Begins to learn the basics of remediation chemistry as well as mechanical, electrical, and plumbing ...

Lead-based paint * Radon * Mold * Begins to support installation, operation, and maintenance of ... Begins to learn the basics of remediation chemistry as well as mechanical, electrical, and plumbing ...

Environmental Technician

Albany, NY · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Lead-based paint * Radon * Mold * Begins to support installation, operation, and maintenance of ... Begins to learn the basics of remediation chemistry as well as mechanical, electrical, and plumbing ...

Environmental Technician

Albany, NY · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Lead-based paint * Radon * Mold * Begins to support installation, operation, and maintenance of ... Begins to learn the basics of remediation chemistry as well as mechanical, electrical, and plumbing ...

Entry Level Paint Chemist information

See salary details

$16

$25

$34

How much do entry level paint chemist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level paint chemist in the United States is $25.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.15 and $28.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level paint chemist do?

An Entry Level Paint Chemist assists in the development, testing, and formulation of paints and coatings. They work in laboratories to mix raw materials, analyze chemical properties, and evaluate the quality and performance of finished paint products. Their tasks often include running experiments, recording data, and supporting senior chemists in research and product improvement. This role is a starting point for a career in coatings chemistry and provides hands-on experience with technical equipment and industry standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level paint chemist?

To thrive as an Entry Level Paint Chemist, you generally need a bachelor’s degree in chemistry or a related science, with foundational knowledge in organic and inorganic chemistry. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, analytical instruments (such as spectrophotometers and viscometers), and safety protocols is typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure accurate formulation, safe experimentation, and successful collaboration in developing high-quality paint products.

What are some typical projects or tasks an entry level paint chemist can expect to work on in their first year?

As an Entry Level Paint Chemist, you can expect to be involved in formulating and testing new paint samples, conducting quality control experiments, and assisting senior chemists in developing product improvements. You’ll likely spend time in both the laboratory and the production area, learning how raw materials interact and how to troubleshoot issues such as color consistency or drying times. Collaboration with team members from production, quality assurance, and research and development is common, offering valuable exposure to various aspects of paint manufacturing and opportunities for career growth.

What is the difference between Entry Level Paint Chemist vs Entry Level Coatings Technician?

AspectEntry Level Paint ChemistEntry Level Coatings Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related fieldHigh school diploma or associate degree, technical training preferred
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, R&D facilities, formulation developmentManufacturing plants, application sites, quality control labs
Industry UsageResearch, formulation, product development in paint and coatings industryApplication, testing, quality assurance in coatings industry

Entry Level Paint Chemists focus on developing and testing paint formulations in labs, requiring scientific credentials. In contrast, Entry Level Coatings Technicians work in manufacturing or application settings, focusing on applying coatings and quality checks. Both roles are essential in the coatings industry but differ in responsibilities and work environments.

More about Entry Level Paint Chemist jobs

What cities are hiring for Entry Level Paint Chemist jobs?

Cities with the most Entry Level Paint Chemist job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Paint Chemist jobs?

The most popular types of Paint Chemist jobs are:

What states have the most Entry Level Paint Chemist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Entry Level Paint Chemist jobs include:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Paint Chemist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,079 per year, or $25 per hour.

R&D- Associate Chemist

Sherwin-Williams

Bowling Green, KY • On-site

$62K - $77K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 24 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Performs analyses, tests, and development of new or updated formulas requiring a basic professional understanding of chemistry, product lines, and materials.

  • Provides feedback, test results, and data regarding the formulation process and recommends modifications to formulas.

  • Serves as a team member for projects, providing professional support to product development, quality control, manufacturing processes, and other operations.


Sherwin-Williams rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 690 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

227th of 546 rated manufacturers


Job description


Job duties include contact with other employees and access confidential and proprietary information and/or other items of value, and such access may be supervised or unsupervised. The Company therefore has determined that a review of criminal history is necessary to protect the business and its operations and reputation and is necessary to protect the safety of the Company's staff, employees, and business relationships.
The Associate Chemist performs entry-level professional level analyses, testing, and formulation of new products and requirements. Responsibilities may include providing formula feedback, performing short-term projects, and interpreting test results. The Associate Chemist provides entry-level professional support, working with projects, and understanding of fundamental product/chemistry knowledge. May supervise support level technicians on a day-to-day basis.
Responsibilities
• Performs analyses, tests, and development of new or updated formulas that require a basic professional understanding of chemistry, product lines, and materials.
• Provides feedback, test results, and data regarding the formulation process and recommends modifications to formulas.
• Completes a variety of forms and documents detailing test findings and basic project results; requires independent judgment within professional guidelines.
• Serves as a team member for projects which objectives that are outlined, short-term, and are less complex in nature and provides professional support to the product development, quality control, manufacturing processes, and other operations.
• Ensures compliance with department policies and procedures and applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
• Responds to standard to moderately complex questions and concerns from plants, research technicians, quality control, and other internal parties regarding development and related programs and services.
• Operates, cleans, and calibrates a variety of equipment that requires professional judgment and background; also utilizes technical or standard equipment during the course of projects.
• May supervise or serve as a lead to lower level technicians or support personnel performing research projects.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the country of employment without needing sponsorship for employment work visa status now or in the future (e.g., OPT, CPT, H1B, EB-1,etc.)
  • Bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Math field.
  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Experience within a lab setting is required.
  • Ability to travel to other locations, meetings and seminars is required.
  • Understanding of fundamental professional chemistry principles and practices;
  • Operating a variety of laboratory equipment;
  • Working with a basic understanding of the commercialization process.
  • PC skills; Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Minitab, Visual Basic); and other applicable applications

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Experience leveraging advanced Excel techniques and specialized R&D software for laboratory application required.

Travel Requirements: 10%
This position is not eligible for sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, including conversion to H-1B visa.
Successful candidate will be required to sign an Employee Restrictive Covenant Agreement where permitted by law.
This position is also eligible for bonus based on performance and subject to the terms of the Company's applicable plans.
About Us
At Sherwin-Williams, our purpose is to inspire and improve the world by coloring and protecting what matters. Our paints, coatings and innovative solutions make the places and spaces in our world brighter and stronger. Your skills, talent and passion make it possible to live this purpose, and for customers and our business to achieve great results. Sherwin-Williams is a place that takes its stability, growth and momentum and translates it to possibility for our people. Our people are behind the strength of our success, and we invest and support you in:
Life ... with rewards, benefits and the flexibility to enhance your health and well-being
Career ... with opportunities to learn, develop new skills and grow your contribution
Connection ... with an inclusive team and commitment to our own and broader communities
It's all here for you... let's Create Your Possible
At Sherwin-Williams, part of our mission is to help our employees and their families live healthier, save smarter and feel better. This starts with a wide range of world-class benefits designed for you. From retirement to health care, from total well-being to your daily commute-it matters to us. A general description of benefits offered can be found at http://www.myswbenefits.com/. Click on "Candidates" to view benefit offerings that you may be eligible for if you are hired as a Sherwin-Williams employee.
Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case and will impact where actual compensation may fall within the stated wage range. The wage range listed for this role takes into account the wide range of factors considered in making compensation decisions including skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. The wage range, other compensation, and benefits information listed is accurate as of the date of this posting. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, with or without notice, subject to applicable law.
Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws including with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act where applicable.
Sherwin-Williams is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, pregnancy, genetic information, creed, marital status or any other consideration prohibited by law or by contract.
As a VEVRAA Federal Contractor, Sherwin-Williams requests state and local employment services delivery systems to provide priority referral of Protected Veterans.
Please be aware, Sherwin-Williams recruiting team members will never request a candidate to provide a payment, ask for financial information, or sensitive personal information like national identification numbers, date of birth, or bank account numbers during the application process.

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