Chemists develop the preservatives and artificial flavours in the foods you eat, the wax on your snowboard, and the explosives in fireworks. They analyze and create all kinds of materials.

Chemists may also write instructions for plant workers that tell them the ingredients, mixing times, and temperature to manufacture a chemical product. They test samples of raw materials or finished products to make sure that they meet industry and government standards. Physical and theoretical chemists study the characteristics of atoms and molecules and theoretical properties of matter, and investigate how chemical reactions work.

Workplace: Chemists are employed in research, development and quality control laboratories, chemical, petrochemical and pharmaceutical industries, mineral, metal and pulp and paper industries, and a wide variety of manufacturing, utility, health, educational and government institutions.

Useful high school subjects: Algebra & Geometry, Calculus, Biology, Chemistry, Earth & Environmental Science, Physics, Social Studies, Computers

Post-secondary education: A bachelor's degree in chemistry or biochemistry is required. A master's or doctoral degree is also required to work as a research chemist. Licensing by a provincial association of chemists is voluntary in Ontario.

Salary: Most chemists earn between $30,000 and $85,000 a year, and highly-trained specialists can earn over $100,000 a year.