Environmental Chemist
22AI USED FOR22%moving to67%
THE DOOR, NOWB
THE DOOR, 20 YRSD
STARTING PAY£28,000 - £35,000
NO MOATNo physical, legal or personal barrier protects this work from software.
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CAREERMASH (EN)FROM PHYSICAL SCIENCES →
Environmental Chemist
Environmental Chemists test the air, water, and soil to find out if they are clean or polluted. They work out what is causing damage and help companies and governments clean up pollution and prevent more from happening.
THE DOOR: A easy to E extremely hard, now and in 20 years
AI helps here, but has not taken over
AI is already used for some of this job, but the day-to-day work still leans on a person to decide, check and take responsibility. Nothing formally protects this job though, so the safest move is to keep building the judgement AI cannot yet copy.
Career progression path
1FIRST STEPJunior Environmental ChemistIn this entry-level role, you will assist senior chemists in conducting experiments and analysing data. You will gain hands-on experience in laboratory techniques and field sampling, while also learning about environmental regulations and compliance.£28,000 - £35,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEMid-level Environmental ChemistAt this stage, you will take on more responsibility, leading projects and mentoring junior staff. You will be expected to manage field studies and collaborate with external stakeholders on environmental assessments.£40,000 - £50,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior Environmental Chemist/Head of Environmental ScienceIn a senior role, you will oversee large-scale environmental projects, develop strategic initiatives, and represent your organisation in high-level discussions with government and industry leaders. Your expertise will guide policy development and sustainable practices.£60,000+
Apprenticeship listings for this career → (June 2026 snapshot; check closing dates on the official service)
The degree route
Real courses in this career's subject, from the live library of 35,000; every one is AI impact assessed through its actual graduate destinations.
🎓Physics with AstrophysicsUniversity of Exeter · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£35,000 median
🎓Acoustical Engineering with Industrial Placement YearUniversity of Southampton · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£32,000 median
🎓Chemistry with Cosmetic ScienceThe University of Reading · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£29,000 median
🎓Chemistry with Medicinal ChemistryThe University of Manchester · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£29,000 median
All Physical Sciences courses as cards →
There is more than one way in
You do not have to go the university route to get here. There is also a vocational route that skips a degree entirely.
Recommended UK degrees
Real courses that qualify you for this career, from the same register that priced the degree above.
Physics with AstrophysicsUniversity of Exeter · DegreeAcoustical Engineering with Industrial Placement YearUniversity of Southampton · DegreePhysicsQueen's University of Belfast · DegreeChemistry with Cosmetic ScienceThe University of Reading · DegreeChemistry with Medicinal ChemistryThe University of Manchester · DegreePhysicsUniversity of Aberdeen · Degree