We get lots of career questions about cosmetic chemistry related to salary, how much education you need and how easy it will be to advance in a cosmetic chemist career. So, I thought you might find my experience interesting.
Becoming a cosmetic chemist
When I first started in the cosmetic field (1992) I didn’t have an advanced degree. I came in as a formulating chemist. I had no plans to become a cosmetic chemist while in school rather, I was just looking for a job…any job.
I even remember thinking as I left the interview that working for a “shampoo” company didn’t seem very important. I was a “scientist” after all and i should be using my brain to work on more pressing problems. I figured I’d work there for a couple years then go back and get a PHD. That never happened. Mostly, because I liked the job and had no burning desire to study anything in particular. Also because I got over my arrogance.
My starting salary was low. $26,000 per year. I actually created a bit of a scandal because the offer was for $25,000 a year and I countered them with $28,000. They never had a beginning chemist do anything like that and that story stuck to me for a half dozen years after I was on the job. The R&D VP frequently referred to it whenever he would see me.
But I digress.
Chemists Salary
The truth is if you wanted to make a lot of money, cosmetic chemistry is the wrong field. Jobs in Finance or Stockbrokers or Hedge fund managers make the big bucks. Chemists…not so much. If money is your driver, go get an advanced degree in Finance or something like that. (This is actually a problem in the US as people who would have traditionally gone into science & engineering are chasing the big bucks on Wall Street.)
However, you can still make an excellent salary as a cosmetic chemist. When I left my job after 16 years I was making over $120,000 annually.
And I wasn’t particularly ambitious in my career nor did I have all the right skill set for moving up the ranks of corporate America.
I should note that my experience is probably not typical because I was able to increase my salary without moving jobs. Most people need to move jobs to increase their salary like I did.
Realities of being a scientist
If your focus is being a cosmetic chemist and doing a good job at that…you won’t advance much in a corporation. Corporations value things like pleasing your boss, being bold and decisive in meetings, and making good presentations. They don’t particularly value being a good scientist. To advance in a corporation you need to become a manager & you need to be a good “people person”. Sucking up to your boss and your boss’s boss helps too.
Many scientists have a hard time doing this.
Should you get an advanced degree?
I’d direct you to Kelly’s thoughts here since she has actually gone through the experience.
There is certainly value in getting an advanced degree. But I’m not certain it will improve your prospects for starting a career in cosmetic chemistry. My advice would be to get a job first then start school after you’ve started your job. This way you can get your company to pay for your schooling. Many / most will.
That’s what I ended up doing (as did Kelly).
In the cosmetic industry, a bachelors degree is crucial. Then getting an entry level job and impressing your bosses is next in line in importance. Just find that first formulating job, learn everything you can, then change jobs to improve your salary prospects. And If you can get an advanced degree, do it.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I think it’s really interesting ur experience… I’m student of Chemical Engeneering in Venezuela and here it’s really difficult to find information about this area of the science.. I’ve trying to find institutes were I could make a master in this area but sadly here in my country there isn’t one.. Maybe u can give me any advice of where can i look for ? I just had found in countries like France and Argentina…
Hi Perry,
I just found your website and found it very informative. Thank you!
I’m currently a graduate student in chemistry (PhD track, specifically in biological applications of mesoporous silica). I currently have an MS, however I’d like to break into the cosmetic chemistry field. Ultimately, I’d like to go into R&D (of cosmetics or consumer products) with a managerial track. Is it too late to change gears? And what sort of advice can you give?
Thanks,
Angela
Hello Angela – Congratulations on your schooling thus far. No, it is not too late to change gears. I’d suggest you look into one of the cosmetic science programs we list here. You could also put together a resume and start applying for jobs just based on your schooling thus far. For more tips see our Career category on the right side of this website.
LOL Perry, this is sooo funny: ” Sucking up to your boss and your boss’s boss helps too.
Many scientists have a hard time doing this.”
This is what got me into trouble, I really suck at sucking up
And impress the boss Perry did. If there was indeed any arrogance (versus self-confidence), he masked it well. Though he never got the Ph.D., he certainly thought outside the box and framed important questions, in addition to providing useful answers. As for the need for an advanced degree, if you’re interested in pharmaceutical formulation, it could help. But there is nothing like time at the bench, loosely(!) guided by a seasoned formulator (so you learn how to make mistakes into assets, and don’t end up an automatonic lab technician) and continuing education from your trade journals, trade events, and ingredient and packaging suppliers, to develop your formulating talents.
Thanks for the kind words Gary! You were an excellent boss and one of the hardest working people I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. Alberto was not the same when you left.