Education and libraries
Chemistry teachers, postsecondary
Teach courses pertaining to the chemical and physical properties and compositional changes of substances. Work may include providing instruction in the methods of qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching, and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Median pay
$93,250
Growth to 2035
+2%
about as fast as average
Openings a year
1,700
Time to qualify*
5 years
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Chemistry teachers, postsecondary
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- Doctoral or professional degree
- On-the-job training
- None
- Prior experience
- None
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Hazardous conditions
Chemistry teachers, postsecondary: 83% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, and chemical separation.
- Establish, teach, and monitor students' compliance with safety rules for handling chemicals, equipment, and other hazardous materials.
- Evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory performance, assignments, and papers.
- Supervise students' laboratory work.
- Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
- Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.
- Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
- Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
Also called: Assistant Professor · Associate Professor · Biochemistry Professor · Chemistry Faculty Member · Chemistry Instructor · Chemistry Professor · Instructor · Lecturer
Outlook and AI
Chemistry teachers, postsecondary held 24,900 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 25,400 by 2035 (+2%, about as fast as average; all jobs: +3.5%).
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