Compensation
Median Pay
$93,250
National median annual wage for this occupation.
National Career Overview
Chemistry teachers, postsecondary
Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
National Median Pay
$93,250
Projected Growth
2.2%
Annual Openings
1,900
Career outlook
National Snapshot
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National
Employment
25,400
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Outlook
Projected Growth
2.2%
Projected employment change through 2034.
Opportunity
Annual Openings
1,900
Estimated openings created each year.
Pathway
Preparation
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
STEP 1
Education
Doctoral or professional degree
STEP 2
Experience
None
STEP 3
Training
None
Top Skills for Success
These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
Science
99 / 100
99%
Speaking & listening
93 / 100
93%
Mathematics
92 / 100
92%
Writing & reading
92 / 100
92%
Critical & analytical thinking
89 / 100
89%
Leadership
85 / 100
85%
Creativity & innovation
80 / 100
80%
Computers & information technology
76 / 100
76%
Adaptability
73 / 100
73%
Problem solving & decision making
69 / 100
69%
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Location Intelligence
Best Places for This Career
Explore the states and metropolitan areas offering the strongest combination of salary, employment, demand, and long-term opportunity.
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Best Metro Areas
Discover metro markets where compensation, hiring demand, and long-term momentum align.
- Top-paying cities
- Fast-growing markets
- Local opportunity rankings
CAREERGPS INSIGHTS
Career Analysis for Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary
Understand the salary, outlook, education, and geographic opportunities shaping this career.
Is Chemistry teachers, postsecondary a Good Career?
Chemistry teachers, postsecondary (occupation code 25-1052), work in higher education teaching chemistry-related subjects. Nationally, this field employs about 25,000 people, with a projected employment growth rate of 2.2%. There are an estimated 2,000 annual openings, which can come from new positions and the need to replace teachers who move on or retire. The national median annual salary is $86,220, and in some states and metro areas the median pay is significantly higher. This role typically requires a doctoral or professional degree, reflecting the advanced level of subject expertise and academic work involved. Strong skills in science, mathematics, communication, critical and analytical thinking, leadership, creativity, technology, adaptability, and problem solving are central to success. For students and professionals who enjoy advanced chemistry, working with college students, and academic environments, this path offers a structured career option with defined educational expectations and a clear national employment footprint.
Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary Salary
The national median annual salary for chemistry teachers, postsecondary, is $86,220, but earnings vary considerably by location. Among top states, median salaries range from $85,970 in Washington to $132,960 in California, indicating substantial geographic differences in pay levels. Massachusetts and New York also stand out with median salaries of $108,270 and $99,880, respectively, while Colorado posts $96,600. At the metro level, some areas show even higher medians. San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA has a median salary of $137,440, and San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA reports $131,080. The Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metro lists $123,250, while the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ and Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metros offer median salaries of $99,980 and $98,170. These figures suggest that choosing certain states and metros can significantly influence earning potential for this career.
Job Outlook for Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary
Chemistry teachers, postsecondary, have national employment of about 25,000, with projected growth of 2.2%. This same 2.2% projected growth rate appears across the highlighted top states and metro areas, suggesting a consistent growth expectation in both national and featured local markets. With approximately 2,000 annual openings, there is ongoing turnover and hiring activity in this occupation. The combination of an established employment base and modest projected growth points to a field where new positions are added while existing roles continue to open as people change jobs or leave the profession. Because the growth rate is specified rather than rapidly fluctuating, prospective chemistry teachers can plan their education and job searches around a labor market that shows defined, measurable expansion. This makes long-term career planning more straightforward for students and professionals considering advanced degrees to qualify for these roles.
Where Are the Best Opportunities for Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary?
Location can make a notable difference for chemistry teachers, postsecondary, in both earnings and opportunity scores. Among states, California leads with a median salary of $132,960 and an opportunity score of 67.38, along with employment of 1,650. Massachusetts and New York also show strong combinations of salary and opportunity, with medians of $108,270 and $99,880 and opportunity scores of 65.87 and 65.78, respectively. Colorado and Washington offer median salaries of $96,600 and $85,970, with opportunity scores in the mid‑50s. At the metro level, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA and New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ post the highest opportunity scores, 77.42 and 77.27, respectively, paired with strong median salaries. San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA stands out for its $137,440 median salary. Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH and Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV also offer six-figure or near‑six‑figure pay and solid opportunity scores, giving candidates multiple geographic options to target.
Education for Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary
The typical education requirement for chemistry teachers, postsecondary, is a doctoral or professional degree. This reflects the advanced level of instruction and scholarship expected in college and university settings. Preparing for this career means planning for extensive higher education in chemistry or closely related fields, along with graduate-level research and academic training. Beyond formal degrees, the skill profile for this occupation is broad and intellectually demanding. Key skills include science and mathematics, which underpin subject expertise, as well as strong writing and reading abilities. Speaking and listening are essential for teaching and working with students and colleagues. Critical and analytical thinking, problem solving, and decision making support both classroom and academic responsibilities. Leadership, creativity and innovation, adaptability, and competence with computers and information technology round out the skill set. Together, these education and skill expectations define a career path that is rigorous but clearly outlined for those interested in advanced chemistry teaching roles.
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