21101

Chemists

TEER 1 — Usually require a university degree

Express Entry skill level: Yes
Regulated in Québec: Yes
In demand in Manitoba: No

Classification

Natural & applied sciences

2 › 21 › 211 › 2110

Definition

Chemists conduct research and analysis in support of industrial operations, product and process development, quality control, environmental control, medical diagnosis and treatment, biotechnology, nanotechnology and other applications. They also conduct theoretical, experimental and applied research into basic chemical and biochemical processes to create or synthesize new products and processes. They 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 establishments.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Analyze, synthesize, purify, modify and characterize chemical or biochemical compounds
Develop and conduct programs of analysis to ensure quality control of raw materials, chemical intermediates or final products
Conduct programs of sample and data collection and analysis to identify and quantify environmental toxicants
Conduct research to develop new chemical formulations and processes and devise new technical applications of industrial chemicals and compounds
Conduct research to discover, develop, refine and evaluate new products such as those used in nanomedicine, nanoelectronics and other applications of chemistry
Conduct fundamental and applied research into the synthesis and properties of chemical compounds and the mechanisms of chemical reactions
Investigate chemical aspects of the mechanisms of drug action, the diagnosis and treatment of disease, organ function and the assessment of health
Participate in interdisciplinary research and development projects working with chemical engineers, biologists, microbiologists, agronomists, geologists or other professionals
Act as technical consultant in a particular field of expertise
May participate in the commercialization of new products
May supervise other chemists and chemical technicians and technologists.

Example job titles

•agricultural chemist
•analytical chemist
•bioanalytical chemist
•biochemist
•chemist
•clinical chemist
•coatings chemist
•electrochemist

Overview

NOC 21101 Chemists represents a highly skilled professional occupation under Canada's National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system. Classified under TEER Category 1, chemists conduct research, analyze chemical compounds, and develop new chemical products and processes across various industries, including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, environmental science, and manufacturing. Their primary duties include conducting qualitative and quantitative analyses, synthesizing organic and inorganic compounds, and ensuring quality control and assurance in laboratory environments.

To qualify under NOC 21101, candidates typically require a bachelor's degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or a closely related scientific discipline. Research-focused roles often demand a master's degree or a Ph.D. Professional certification is mandatory to practice as a professional chemist in Quebec through the Ordre des chimistes du Québec (OCQ), while registration with provincial chemist associations is voluntary but beneficial in other provinces such as Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario.

As a TEER 1 occupation, Chemists are eligible for major Canadian economic immigration streams, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) managed under the Express Entry system. They may also qualify for targeted category-based draws for STEM professionals or various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) seeking skilled scientific personnel. Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational and search-optimization purposes only and does not constitute legal immigration advice. For official guidelines, please consult Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

Verify this NOC with DUTYPROOF →Check program eligibility →

Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.