After a strong 2021 and 2022 across Chemistry, fueled by rising demand during COVID-19, it was anticipated that 2024 would be met with cost-reduction plans as demand settled back down. However, from our talent insights here at Harba, it's primarily been a stable year among Chemistry hiring, with both job opportunities and talent pool growth remaining consistent.
Hiring has largely been mindful, with few select industries seeing high demand. However, with just 8% market liquidity (professionals moving between companies), new Chemistry talent remains difficult to attract to businesses throughout the sector. Whether you’re hiring for your team or looking for new opportunities, our insights can help you understand more about the market before taking your next steps
Farming: Grew 148% in the last 12 months
Industrial Machinery Manufacturing: Grew 78% in the last 12 months
Food and Beverage Services: Grew 77% in the last 12 months
Food and Beverage Manufacturing: Grew 67% in the last 12 months
Environmental Services: Grew 63% in the last 12 months
Understanding which universities produce the most recent Chemistry graduates can be a powerful tool for organizations looking to optimize their hiring strategies when seeking junior talent. Top schools often have specialized programs, state-of-the-art research facilities, and connections with industry, resulting in well-prepared graduates to tackle current challenges in the field.
Traditional chemistry hubs continue to attract talent, but a closer look reveals why they dominate. New York City remains at the forefront, fueled by its diverse industries, from pharmaceuticals to food science, which require ongoing chemical research and development. Los Angeles has become a hotspot for green chemistry and sustainable manufacturing, while the Washington DC-Baltimore area benefits from its proximity to federal research facilities and biotech firms. The Greater Chicago Area supports a mix of food processing and specialty chemical manufacturing, while the San Francisco Bay Area remains a stronghold for innovation in materials science and biotechnology.
While established hubs still dominate in terms of sheer numbers, new regions are emerging as key players for Chemistry talent. Atlanta's growth is tied to its expanding pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, bolstered by local investments in research facilities. Detroit, traditionally known for its automotive industry, is now focusing on chemical applications for sustainable materials and EV battery innovation. Indianapolis is becoming a center for life sciences, with increasing demand for chemists specializing in drug development and manufacturing efficiency. These emerging regions offer new opportunities for professionals seeking dynamic and evolving career landscapes beyond the traditional coastal hubs.
As hiring managers look toward 2025, attracting Chemistry talent will present existing challenges. With competition for specialized skills intensifying, companies will need to navigate an increasingly tight labor market. The current low market liquidity, with professionals reluctant to switch roles, means hiring managers may find it harder to fill critical positions quickly. To stay ahead, hiring teams will need to refine their strategies, prioritize building employer brand values, long-term relationships with the talent pool and consider their staffing suppliers carefully.
Please get in touch today if you would like to learn more.
