Is Specialty Chemicals a Good Career Path

Perhaps you have heard a few things about the specialty chemicals industry and wondered if it will make a good career path. Well, you are the only one asking, ‘is specialty chemicals a good career path?’ Many youths and career path seekers are also asking to know if they should venture into the industry.

Well, the specialty chemicals industry is a lucrative one, but it is not one of those regular industries you used to know. It demands a lot of requirements to be qualified to work in the field. Apart from having a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, you will also need some professional skills to do well in your career there. 

In this post, we will talk about the specialty chemicals industry and why it could make a good career path for anyone interested. If you are a chemical engineering student and not sure where the future can take you, you will also want to read this post. So, let’s get into it. 

What Are Specialty Chemicals?

Not everyone knows what specialty chemicals are. If you are thinking of pursuing a career in the industry, then you should know what the chemicals are and what they are used for. Specialty chemicals are particular chemical products that are used for certain purposes by other industries. These chemicals are usually raw materials upon which some other industries rely. They are also called effect chemicals or specialties. 

Examples of such chemicals include agrichemicals, adhesives, cleaning materials, cosmetic additives, colors, industrial gases, construction chemicals, fragrances, paints, lubricants, polymers, textile auxiliaries, and surfactants. Some other industries like automotive, cosmetics, textiles, agriculture, and manufacturing industries are highly dependent on such products. 

What is the Difference Between Specialty Chemicals and Commodity Chemicals?

There is a difference between these two chemical categories. Specialty chemicals should not be confused with commodity chemicals. They are often different in their purpose and how they are prepared. While specialty chemicals are formulated to serve as raw materials for making other products in other industries, commodity chemicals are often prepared mostly for consumer products and used for many purposes.

At the same time, they are different in their mode of preparation. Specialty chemicals are manufactured for special preparation and so often have a different preparation method because their chemical compositions are often different. The method of preparing specialty chemicals is called batch process and often involves a lot of heating and preheating measures. 

Is Specialty Chemicals A Good Career Path?

Many things come together to make the industry a desirable one for any chemical engineering student. If you are presently studying chemical engineering and looking for a prospective industry to venture into, then the specialty chemicals industry is a good one to consider. 

• Variety of job opportunities

Let’s start with the job outlook in the industry. The specialty chemicals industry is growing as the demand for this type of chemical keeps increasing every year. The chemicals are needed by many other industries such as automotive, cosmetic, agriculture, and pharmaceutical to make their own products. Because of this high demand, companies in the industry are always in need of competent workers to help with specialty chemical production. So there is enough job there for you.

• High satisfaction — A chance to make a difference

Although some professions like teachers and nurses are termed vocation because they come with high satisfaction knowing that they are touching lives and helping people personally. The same thing applies to the chemical industry too. Working in the specialty chemicals industry will give you the opportunity to be involved in different processes that makes life better for people. Talk about improved nutrition, improved health, warmth, and light. You will definitely be making a difference as a worker there. 

• Chance to work with big companies

Some of the world’s biggest brands and largest companies are in the chemical sector. And most of these companies rank high in terms of revenue. So if you are looking for a career path that allows you to work in big companies, then quit asking, ‘is specialty chemicals a good career path,’ just start working your way towards it. 

• Travel opportunity

This is not something you will hear everywhere about the industry. But the specialty chemicals industry offers you the opportunity to travel and work in different countries. Most multinational companies are in this sector. So if you want to see the world, choose a career path in specialty chemicals. 

• Lucrative

Of course, money is one of the determining factors to consider when thinking of choosing a career path. Workers in specialty chemicals get paid a good salary for doing a job that is both rewarding and interesting. Although salary differs by a range of factors, the average salary of a worker in the industry is $88,000 per year. 

What Is the Average Salary of A Specialty Chemicals Worker?

The average salary of a worker in the specialty chemicals industry is $88,000 per year. However, the pay in the industry – like every other industry, depends on a variety of factors, including where the company is located, your experience, and education qualifications. 

Is Specialty Chemicals A Good Career Path: Top Paying Jobs in the Industry

Below are the top-paying job roles in the industry. If you are entering the industry to secure the bag, then you should have your eyes on one of these:

• Process engineer: A process engineer earns between $67,000 and $111,000, with an average of $84,929 per year.
• Chemist: Earns between $45,000 and $89,000, with an average of $65,382 per year. 
• Chemical engineer: Earns between $60,000 and $108,000 per year. The average salary of a chemical engineer is $78,765 per year.
• Research chemist: Earns an average of $72,354 per year. Most of them earn between $53,000 and $106,000 per year. 
• Production engineer: Earns between $73,000 and $104,000. The average pay for a product engineer is $83,769 per year.

The Largest Specialty Chemical Companies in the U.S.

Last on the topic, ‘is specialty chemicals a good career path,’ let’s see the 10 largest USA specialty chemical companies are: 

• Lubrizol Corporation
• Huntsman
• Ashland
• Chemtura
• Rockwood
• Albemarle
• Cabot
• W. R. Grace
• Ferro Corporation
• Cytec Industries