From the development of exciting new compounds to overcoming process engineering hurdles to overseeing complex chemical reactions, jobs in the U.S. chemical industry require new and more highly developed technical skills, as well as better-trained and educated workers.
Because the business of chemistry employs a higher percentage of knowledge workers than any other manufacturing industry, it is no surprise that chemical industry wages and compensation are well above the manufacturing average.
In addition to high salaries and wages reflecting occupational knowledge intensity, the business of chemistry also provides excellent benefits to its employees. These include legally mandated expenditures as well as voluntary programs, including profit-sharing and other compensation, vacation and other leave, health and life insurance, stock purchase plans, pensions, 401 K contributions, and others. As a share of salaries and wages, these typically add 35 percent or more to the cost of compensation.
