Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary Salary Guide 2025: $93,250 Median
Postsecondary chemistry teachers earn a median annual salary of $93,250, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The mean wage is $105,210, or about $45 per hour. Top earners in the 90th percentile bring home over $172,000, while those just starting out at the 10th percentile make around $57,870.
Employment in this occupation stands at 19,980 positions across the U.S. The role is concentrated in colleges and universities, where professors teach undergraduate and graduate chemistry courses, conduct research, and advise students.
How much Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary earn
The median salary of $93,250 is the midpoint — half earn more, half less. The mean of $105,210 reflects higher earnings among senior faculty. Experienced professors at research universities or those with administrative roles often reach the top of the pay scale.
Salaries vary by institution type. Professors at four-year universities typically earn more than those at community colleges. Tenure status also matters: tenured faculty tend to be paid significantly more than adjunct or non-tenure-track instructors.
- Median: $93,250
- Mean: $105,210 (~$45/hr)
- 10th percentile: $57,870
- 90th percentile: $172,110
Pay by state
Where you teach heavily influences your salary. The highest-paying state is California, with a mean annual wage of $132,960. North Dakota follows at $111,020, then Massachusetts at $108,270. Delaware ($104,610) and Minnesota ($104,380) round out the top five.
On the lower end, Mississippi pays $66,420 on average, Arkansas $64,720, and Oklahoma $64,450. These differences often reflect cost of living and state funding for higher education.
How to become Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary
The standard path starts with a bachelor's degree in chemistry or a related field. From there, a Ph.D. in chemistry or a subdiscipline (e.g., organic, inorganic, physical, analytical) is almost always required for tenure-track positions at universities. Community colleges may accept a master's degree, though a Ph.D. is increasingly preferred.
After earning the doctorate, many candidates complete one or more postdoctoral research fellowships lasting 2–3 years to build a publication record. Teaching experience as a graduate teaching assistant is valuable. Landing a tenure-track job typically involves a competitive search process, and advancement requires publishing research, securing grants, and effective teaching.
- Earn a bachelor's degree in chemistry or related science.
- Complete a Ph.D. in chemistry (5–6 years).
- Gain teaching experience through assistantships or adjunct roles.
- Pursue postdoctoral research (optional but common for university positions).
- Apply for tenure-track faculty openings; obtain state licensure if teaching at public K-12 (not typically needed for postsecondary).
Job outlook
Employment of postsecondary chemistry teachers is projected to grow 2.2% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. That translates to roughly 1,900 openings per year, mostly due to retirements and faculty leaving for other jobs.
Opportunities are strongest for those with a Ph.D., a strong publication record, and willingness to take on multiple roles (teaching, research, service). Competition for tenure-track positions at research universities remains stiff, while community colleges and adjunct roles may be easier to enter.
Frequently asked questions
What is the median salary for Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary in 2025?
The national median annual salary is $93,250, according to BLS data. The mean is $105,210, or about $45 per hour.
How many jobs are there for postsecondary chemistry teachers?
There are 19,980 employed postsecondary chemistry teachers in the United States as of 2024.
What education do I need to become a chemistry professor?
A Ph.D. in chemistry is typically required for tenure-track positions at four-year colleges and universities. Community colleges may accept a master's degree.
Is the job outlook good for chemistry teachers at the college level?
The occupation is projected to grow 2.2% from 2024 to 2034, about average. About 1,900 openings per year are expected, many due to retirements.
Which states pay the highest salaries for college chemistry teachers?
The highest-paying states are California ($132,960), North Dakota ($111,020), Massachusetts ($108,270), Delaware ($104,610), and Minnesota ($104,380).
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary data.