Chemical and Materials Engineers
Overview
Snapshot
Summary
Chemical and Materials Engineers design and prepare specifications for chemical process systems and the construction and operation of commercial-scale chemical plants, supervise industrial processing and fabrication of products undergoing physical and chemical change, and investigate the properties of metals, ceramics, polymers and other materials and assess and develop their engineering and commercial applications.
Tasks
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preparing designs for chemical process systems and planning control systems for processes such as those used to remove and separate components, effect chemical changes, test and evaluate fuels, transfer heat, and control the storing and handling of solids,liquids and gases
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monitoring the operation and maintenance of equipment to achieve maximum efficiency under safe operating conditions
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ensuring correct materials and equipment are used and that they conform to specifications
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diagnosing malfunctions in chemical plants and instituting remedial action
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studying product utilisation and pollution control problems
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reviewing plans for new products and submitting material selection recommendations in accordance with design specifications and factors such as strength, weight and cost
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planning and implementing laboratory operations to develop new materials and fabrication procedures for new materials to fulfil production cost and performance standards
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conferring with producers of materials, such as metals, ceramics, polymers, cements and elastomers, during the investigation and evaluation of materials suitable for specific product applications
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reviewing product failure data and implementing laboratory tests to establish or reject possible causes, and advising on ways to overcome any problems
Characteristics
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University
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Practical
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Analytical
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Sedentary
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Light
Outlook
JSA produces employment projections to show where likely future job opportunities may be. The latest data are for the five years from November 2021 to November 2026. Over this period, the number of workers:
- is expected to grow moderately
- is likely to reach 7,600 by 2026.
Source: Jobs and Skills Australia Employment Projections to 2026.
Notes: The number employed includes people who work in this occupation as their main job. People who work in more than one job are counted against the occupation they work the most hours in.
Employment projections figures are rounded to the nearest 100. Calculations based on these rounded figures may result in differences to the numbers that are displayed on this page. Employment projections data (including occupations) can be downloaded from the Employment Projections page.
Number of Workers
Year | Employment |
---|---|
2011 | 7,200 |
2012 | 5,600 |
2013 | 3,300 |
2014 | 5,900 |
2015 | 6,500 |
2016 | 4,700 |
2017 | 6,300 |
2018 | 6,700 |
2019 | 5,600 |
2020 | 7,100 |
2021 | 7,000 |
2026 | 7,600 |
Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, ABS seasonally adjusted data to November 2021 and Jobs and Skills Australia Employment Projections to 2026.
Earnings and hours
Working arrangements
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Around 88% of people employed as Chemical and Materials Engineers work full-time hours, in all their jobs combined. This is 22 percentage points above the all jobs average (66%).
Full-time workers work an average of 44 hours per week in their main job. This is the same as the all jobs average.
Sources:Full-time share and full-time hours: ABS, 2016 Census, customised report. Compared to the all jobs average.
Industries
Main industries
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Chemical and Materials Engineers work in industries like:
- Manufacturing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Mining
- Electricity, gas, water and waste services.
Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, annual average 2021.
Regions
Employment across Australia
NSW
VIC
QLD
SA
WA
TAS
NT
ACT
Employment by State and Territory (% Share)
State | Chemical and Materials Engineers | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
NSW | 24.2 | 31.6 |
VIC | 27.1 | 25.6 |
QLD | 17.7 | 20.0 |
SA | 5.6 | 7.0 |
WA | 23.4 | 10.8 |
TAS | 1.1 | 2.0 |
NT | 0.6 | 1.0 |
ACT | 0.3 | 1.9 |
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Around 74% of Chemical and Materials Engineers live in capital cities, compared with the all jobs average of 62%.
Western Australia has a large share of employment relative to its population size.
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Share of workers across Australian states, territories and regions, in this job compared to the all jobs average.
Worker profile
Age and gender
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The median age of Chemical and Materials Engineers is 38 years. This is similar to the all jobs average of 40 years.
A large share of workers are aged 25 to 34 years.
Females make up 20% of the workforce. This is 28 percentage points below the all jobs average of 48%.
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile and gender share compared to the all jobs average.
Age Profile (% Share)
Age Bracket | Chemical and Materials Engineers | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
15-19 | 0.0 | 5.0 |
20-24 | 7.1 | 9.3 |
25-34 | 33.0 | 22.9 |
35-44 | 25.6 | 22.0 |
45-54 | 19.8 | 21.6 |
55-59 | 6.5 | 9.0 |
60-64 | 4.5 | 6.0 |
65 and Over | 3.5 | 4.2 |
Median Age | 38 | 40 |
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile of workers in this job compared to the all jobs average.
Employment Pathways
Education, training and experience
A bachelor degree in materials, chemical, biochemical or process engineering is needed to work as a Chemical or Materials Engineer. Many workers have a postgraduate qualification.
Registration may be required in some states and territories. In addition, Engineers Australia has a non-compulsory National Engineering Register.
Visit
- Course Seeker to search and compare higher education courses.
- ComparED to compare undergraduate and postgraduate student experiences and outcomes.
Highest Level of Education (% Share)
Type of Qualification | Chemical and Materials Engineers | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate | 27.7 | 10.1 |
Bachelor degree | 62.2 | 21.8 |
Advanced Diploma/Diploma | 2.8 | 11.6 |
Certificate III/IV | 3.0 | 21.1 |
Year 12 | 3.8 | 18.1 |
Year 11 | 0.1 | 4.8 |
Year 10 and below | 0.3 | 12.5 |
Source: ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Highest qualification completed by workers in this job (in any field of study). Qualifications needed by new workers might be different from the qualifications of workers already in the job.
Skills and Knowledge
Employers look for Chemical and Materials Engineers who can work well in a team, communicate clearly with a diverse range of people and provide good customer service.
Skills
Skills can be improved through training or experience.
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77%
ScienceUsing scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
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70%
MathematicsUsing maths to solve problems.
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68%
Operations analysisUnderstanding needs and product requirements to create a design.
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66%
Critical thinkingThinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
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66%
Judgment and decision makingFiguring out the pros and cons of different options and choosing the best one.
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64%
Active learningBeing able to use what you have learnt to solve problems now and again in the future.
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64%
Reading comprehensionReading work related information.
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64%
Systems evaluationMeasuring how well a system is working and how to improve it.
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63%
Complex problem solvingNoticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.
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63%
Systems analysisFiguring out how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect it.
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63%
MonitoringKeeping track of how well work is progressing so you can make changes or improvements.
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59%
Active listeningListening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
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57%
SpeakingTalking to others.
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57%
WritingWriting things for co-workers or customers.
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55%
TroubleshootingFiguring out why a machine or system went wrong and working out what to do about it.
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54%
Operation monitoringWatching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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54%
Time managementManaging your own and other peoples' time to get work done.
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52%
Coordination with othersBeing adaptable and coordinating work with other people.
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52%
InstructingTeaching people how to do something.
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52%
Learning strategiesFiguring out the best way to teach or learn something new.
Knowledge
These are important topics, subjects or knowledge areas.
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94%
Engineering and technologyUse engineering, science and technology to design and produce goods and services.
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84%
ChemistryChemical composition, structure, and properties. How chemicals are made, used, mixed, and can change.
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82%
MathematicsArithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics.
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77%
PhysicsThe physical laws of matter, motion and energy, and how they interact through space and time.
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74%
Technical designDesign techniques, tools, and principles used to make detailed technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
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71%
Production and processingRaw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and ways of making and distributing goods.
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65%
Administration and managementBusiness principles involved in strategic planning, leadership, and coordinating people and resources.
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65%
Computers and electronicsCircuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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64%
MechanicalMachines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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64%
Education and trainingCurriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
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60%
English languageEnglish language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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59%
BiologyPlant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, how they rely on and work with each other and the environment.
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52%
Public safety and securityUse of equipment, rules and ideas to protect people, data, property, and institutions.
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52%
Customer and personal serviceUnderstanding customer needs, providing good quality service, and measuring customer satisfaction.
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47%
Law and governmentHow our laws and courts work. Government rules and regulations, and the political system.
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46%
Personnel and human resourcesRecruiting and training people, managing pay and other entitlements (like sick leave), and negotiating pay and conditions.
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46%
Sales and marketingShowing, promoting, and selling including marketing strategy, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
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45%
Economics and accountingEconomics and accounting, the financial markets, banking and checking and reporting of financial data.
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44%
ClericalWord processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office work.
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37%
Communications and mediaMedia production, communication, and dissemination. Includes written, spoken, and visual media.
Abilities
Workers use these physical and mental abilities..
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73%
Oral comprehensionListen to and understand what people say.
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71%
Written comprehensionRead and understand written information.
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70%
CategorisingCome up with different ways of grouping things.
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70%
Deductive reasoningUse general rules to find answers or solve problems logically.
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70%
Oral expressionCommunicate by speaking.
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66%
Inductive reasoningUse lots of detailed information to come up with answers or make general rules.
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66%
Sorting or orderingOrder or arrange things in a pattern or sequence (e.g., numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
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64%
Problem spottingNotice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong, even if you can't solve the problem.
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64%
OriginalityCome up with unusual or clever ideas, or creative ways to solve a problem.
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64%
Working with numbersAdd, subtract, multiply, or divide.
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61%
MathematicsChoose the right maths method or formula to solve a problem.
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61%
Written expressionWrite in a way that people can understand.
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59%
Near visionSee details that are up-close (within a few feet).
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59%
VisualizationImagine how something will look after it is moved around or changed.
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55%
BrainstormingCome up with a number of ideas about a topic, even if the ideas aren't very good.
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52%
Flexibility of closureSee a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) hidden in other distracting material.
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52%
Far visionSee details that are far away.
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50%
Perceptual speedUse your eyes to quickly compare groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things.
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48%
Speech claritySpeak clearly so others can understand you.
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46%
Selective attentionPay attention to something without being distracted.
Activities
These are kinds of activities workers regularly do in this job.
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82%
Keeping your knowledge up-to-dateKeeping up-to-date with technology and new ideas.
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81%
Making decisions and solving problemsUsing information to work out the best solution and solve problems.
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79%
Collecting and organising informationCompiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or checking information or data.
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79%
Thinking creativelyUsing your own ideas for developing, designing, or creating something new.
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78%
Making sense of information and ideasLooking at, working with, and understanding data or information.
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77%
Researching and investigatingLooking for, getting and understanding different kinds of information.
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77%
Giving expert adviceProviding guidance and expert advice to management or other groups.
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77%
Planning and prioritising workDeciding on goals and putting together a detailed plan to get the work done.
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77%
Communicating within a teamGiving information to co-workers by telephone, in writing, or in person.
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74%
Looking for changes over timeComparing objects, actions, or events. Looking for differences between them or changes over time.
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74%
Monitoring people, processes and thingsChecking objects, actions, or events, and keeping an eye out for problems.
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71%
Building good relationshipsBuilding good working relationships and keeping them over time.
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71%
Scheduling work and activitiesWorking out the timing of events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
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70%
Explaining things to peopleHelping people to understand and use information.
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69%
Leading and encouraging a teamEncouraging and building trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
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67%
Working with computersUsing computers to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
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67%
Coming up with systems and processesDeciding on goals and figuring out what you need to do to achieve them.
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67%
Documenting or recording informationEntering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
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63%
Checking compliance with standardsDeciding whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
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60%
Estimating amounts, costs and resourcesWorking out sizes, distances, amounts, time, costs, resources, or materials needed for a task.
Interests and demands
Learn about the daily activities, and physical and social demands faced by workers. Explore the values and work styles that workers rate as most important.
Interests
Interests are the style or type of work we prefer to do. All interest areas are shown below.
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95%
AnalyticalIdeas and thinking. Searching for facts and figuring out problems in your head.
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90%
PracticalPractical, hands-on work. Often with plants and animals, or materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
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52%
AdministrativeFollowing set procedures and routines. Working with numbers and details more than with ideas, usually following rules.
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43%
EnterprisingStarting up and carrying out projects. Leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes require risk taking and often deal with business.
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29%
CreativeWorking with forms, designs and patterns. Often need self-expression and can be done without following rules.
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14%
HelpingWorking with people. Helping or providing service to others.
Values
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81%
RecognitionAdvancement and the potential to lead. Workers are recognised for the work that they do, they may give directions and instructions to others, and they are looked up to in their company and their community.
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76%
AchievementResults oriented. Workers are able to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment.
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76%
IndependenceWork alone and make decisions. Workers are able to try out their own ideas, make decisions on their own, and work with little or no supervision.
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76%
Working conditionsJob security and good working conditions. There is usually a steady flow of interesting work, and the pay and conditions are generally good.
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57%
RelationshipsServe and work with others. Workers usually get along well with each other, do things to help other people, and are rarely pressured to do things that go against their sense of right and wrong.
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57%
SupportSupportive management that stands behind employees. Workers are treated fairly by their company, they are supported by management, and have supervisors who train them well.
Demands
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98%
Electronic mailUse electronic mail.
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96%
Indoors, heat controlledWork indoors with access to heating or cooling.
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96%
TelephoneTalk on the telephone.
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95%
Face-to-face discussionsTalk with people face-to-face.
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85%
TeamworkWork with people in a group or team.
-
82%
Wear common protective or safety equipmentWear equipment like safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets.
-
81%
Health and safety of othersTake responsibility for the health and safety of others.
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80%
Freedom to make decisionsHave freedom to make decision on your own.
-
80%
Unstructured workHave freedom to decide on tasks, priorities, and goals.
-
79%
Being exact or accurateBe very exact or highly accurate.
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78%
Contact with peopleHave contact with people by telephone, face-to-face, or any other way.
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78%
Impact of decisionsMake decisions that have a large impact on other people.
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77%
Letters and memosWrite letters and memos.
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75%
Consequence of errorWork where mistakes have serious consequences.
-
74%
Spend time sittingSpend time sitting at work.
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71%
Time pressureWork to strict deadlines.
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69%
CompetitionCompete with others, or be aware of competitive pressures.
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68%
Responsible for outcomesTake responsibility for the results of other people's work.
-
66%
Frequent decision makingFrequently make decisions that impact other people.
-
66%
Lead or coordinate a teamLead others to do work activities.
O*NET is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.
The skills and importance ratings on this page are derived from the US Department of Labor O*NET Database Version 21.2, 17-2041.00 - Chemical Engineers.
Links and downloads
Research and reports
The Skills Priority List provides a current labour market rating and a future demand rating for nearly 800 occupations nationally. Current labour market ratings are available for occupations at a state and territory level.
Downloads
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Occupation profiles data are available for download.
The Employment Projections are available for download.