<p>I'm in chemistry also - a B.S. basically makes you a lab tech. When I was applying for jobs, a lot of companies had jobs for "B.S + 5 years industry experience OR Masters", but very few had anything for entry level B.S. degree's with research experience. I graduated at the top of my class with honors, 3 years of undergrad research & I couldn't even get an interview! So, I ended up in grad school just like you're planning on doing.</p>
<p>I think that a Ph.D. in chemistry is the best. There are a ton of industry related jobs for Ph.D. chemists in all fields - biotech, pharmicuticals, food flavor, cosmetics/personal care products, cleaning products, textiles, oil companies, intel, semicon companies.. even Kodak & HP hire chemists to develop ink. In addition to research & development there are also Quality Control type jobs. And, as a Ph.D. you aren't married to your dissertation project - the degree basically says that you are smart enough to learn a specific subject matter very well.</p>
<p>Also, Ph.D. isn't really the max level of education for chemists anymore.. don't forget about post-docs. A Ph.D chemist without a postdoc is considered lower than a chemist with one.</p>