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Line Chemist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Laboratory Manager/Laboratory Instructor in Chemistry is responsible for managing the Chemical ... To expedite processing, please reference the position title in the subject line of your message.

After 30 years in the staffing and recruiting industry we have evolved to stay in line with the ever growing technology. We are seeking an experienced Senior Chemist. This role is a senior level ...

Senior Chemist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

After 30 years in the staffing and recruiting industry we have evolved to stay in line with the ever growing technology. We are seeking an experienced Senior Chemist. This role is a senior level ...

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Line Chemist information

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$17

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$52

How much do line chemist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for line chemist in the United States is $30.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $35.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Line Chemist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Line Chemist, you need a solid background in chemistry or chemical engineering, often supported by a relevant degree and laboratory experience. Familiarity with laboratory instruments, analytical testing methods, and quality control systems such as HPLC, GC, and LIMS is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong organizational skills help Line Chemists excel in fast-paced production environments. These skills ensure accurate testing, compliance with regulations, and efficient workflow in chemical manufacturing or quality assurance settings.

Is there a high demand for chemists?

The demand for chemists, including line chemists, remains steady due to ongoing needs in industries such as pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and environmental science. Employment opportunities often require strong analytical skills and knowledge of laboratory techniques, with job growth expected to be average or better in many regions.

Which chemists make the most money?

In the field of chemistry, pharmaceutical chemists and industrial chemists tend to have the highest salaries, often due to specialized skills and advanced degrees. Chemists working in research and development or in senior roles typically earn more, especially with experience and relevant certifications such as a Professional Chemist license.

What is the difference between Line Chemist vs Quality Control Chemist?

AspectLine ChemistQuality Control Chemist
CredentialsTypically requires a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related fieldRequires a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related discipline
Work EnvironmentWorks on the production line, ensuring proper formulation and process flowWorks in labs, testing samples for quality and compliance
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, pharmaceutical, and chemical industriesCommon in manufacturing, pharmaceutical, and food industries
Search & Comparison IntentOften searched for alongside production roles or process jobsOften compared for quality assurance and testing roles

The main difference between a Line Chemist and a Quality Control Chemist lies in their focus areas. Line Chemists work directly on the production line, ensuring formulations and processes are correctly followed, while Quality Control Chemists test and verify the quality of products. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and are vital in manufacturing industries.

What is the highest paid chemist job?

The highest paid chemist roles are often in pharmaceutical research, chemical engineering, or executive positions such as Chief Chemist or Director of Chemistry, with salaries exceeding $150,000 annually. Senior-level chemists with advanced degrees, specialized skills, and management responsibilities tend to earn the highest compensation in the field.

What are some typical challenges a Line Chemist might face during production, and how are they addressed?

Line Chemists often encounter challenges such as maintaining product quality under tight production deadlines, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, and ensuring strict adherence to safety and regulatory standards. To address these, they collaborate closely with production operators and quality assurance teams, implement standard operating procedures, and stay up to date with best practices in chemical handling. Proactive communication and continuous monitoring help minimize errors and keep processes running smoothly.

Can a chemist work from home?

Line chemists typically work in laboratory settings where hands-on testing, analysis, and safety protocols are essential, making remote work uncommon. However, some roles involving data analysis, report writing, or research planning may allow for partial remote work with proper tools and supervision.

What are line chemists and what do they do?

Line chemists are professionals who work in manufacturing or production environments, typically within the pharmaceutical, chemical, or food industries. Their primary role is to conduct quality control tests and monitor chemical processes on the production line to ensure products meet required standards and regulations. They analyze samples, troubleshoot issues, and document findings to maintain product quality and safety. Line chemists also collaborate with other departments to resolve problems and optimize production efficiency.
More about Line Chemist jobs
Infographic showing various Line Chemist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Locum Tenens, 72% As Needed, 21% Full Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,466 per year, or $31 per hour.
Public Notice for Chemist

$64K/yr

Other

Re-posted 13 days ago


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Job description

Direct hiring authority for the 1320 series is being used to fill this position. Public Notices serve as a resume repository, and positions may or may not be filled from this announcement.

Qualifications:

https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1300/chemistry-series-1320/ https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=Group-Standards
in conjunction with the Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Professional and Scientific Positions: To view the complete qualification standard, applicants should reference the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) Individual Occupational Requirements for the Chemistry Series (1320):

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:

A) Degree: physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering that included 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by course work in mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics.

OR

B) Combination of education and experience -- course work equivalent to a major as shown in A above, including at least 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by mathematics through differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

In addition to the above basic requirement(s):

TO QUALIFY AT THE FV-H (FG/GS 10-12) LEVEL, you must demonstrate in your application that you possess one (1) year of Specialized Experience equivalent to the FV-G (FG/GS 5-9) level.

Specialized Experience* may include: Experience with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS); extraction/analysis of drugs in biological fluids and tissues; applying knowledge of analytical chemical principles, theories and practices sufficient to perform a full range of fundamental analysis and investigative responsibilities for aerospace/aviation programs.

OR

3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree gained from an accredited college or university may be qualifying if it provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. Education must be directly related to the position being filled.

TO QUALIFY AT THE FV-I (FG/GS-13) LEVEL, you must demonstrate in your application you possess one (1) year of Specialized Experience equivalent to the FV-H (FG/GS 10-12) level.

Specialized Experience* may include: Experience producing reports as a result of test and evaluation activities that are considered technically authoritative/sound; independently designing and carrying out chemical testing programs, projects, and studies; conducting analytical/evaluative methods and procedures; applying knowledge of chemical laboratory hazards and related safety procedures.

TO QUALIFY AT THE FV-J (FG/GS-14) LEVEL, you must demonstrate in your application you possess one (1) year of Specialized Experience equivalent to the FV-I (FG/GS-13) level.

Specialized Experience* may include: Experience planning, executing and reporting on original or ongoing studies in the field of chemistry requiring a fresh approach to resolve new problems; applying expert knowledge of analytical and evaluative methods plus thorough understanding of the composition, physical and chemical properties, molecular structure and chemical reactions of substances; and serving as a lead chemist on studies and research projects.

TO QUALIFY AT THE FV-K (FG/GS-15) LEVEL, you must demonstrate in your application you possess one (1) year of Specialized Experience equivalent to the FV-J (FG/GS-14) level.

Specialized experience* may include: Experience applying mastery of scientific methods to independently conduct and oversee complex special scientific studies in areas of chemistry where little knowledge has been assembled or in areas uncharted by previous work or theories.

*Specialized experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization.

Applicants should provide examples of Specialized Experience in their Work History. Qualifications must be met by the closing date of the announcement.

Education:This position has a positive education requirement: Applicants must submit a copy of their college or university transcripts(s) and certificates by the closing date of announcement to verify qualifications. If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment. You may upload these documents with your application in USAJOBS or fax it to fax number provided in the announcement (please include announcement number on each page).
Failure to do so will result in loss of consideration.
Schools must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation may be verified at the following website: www.ed.gov/accreditation.
Foreign education must be evaluated by a private professional organization specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials or an accredited U.S. educational institution in terms of equivalence to a degree acquired at an American college or university. A copy of the evaluation results must be included, otherwise your foreign education will not be considered.
Employment Type: OTHER

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