Also called: Molecular Modeler, Cheminformatics Scientist
Uses computers and quantum mechanics to predict how molecules behave before anyone makes them.
You simulate how a drug fits into a protein or how a catalyst speeds up a reaction, running jobs on supercomputers or the cloud. Then you tell lab chemists which molecules to try first.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Doctorate (PhD), about 9 years after high school. PhD in chemistry or chemical physics with strong programming.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science.
Growing faster than average (about 5% over 10 years). Growth is for chemists and materials scientists overall.
Medium risk in 5 years, high in 10. AI models now predict molecules far faster than classic simulations; fewer specialists, more AI-savvy ones.
Classes: AP Chemistry, AP Computer Science, AP Calculus BC.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-2031.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.