Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary
SOC code 25-1052 · O*NET-SOC 25-1052.00 · Extensive preparation needed · Education and library
Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$93,250
a year
Hourly
—
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$105,210
— per hour
Middle 50%
$68,530 – $127,280
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$57,870 – $172,110
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
19,980
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $57,870
- —/hr
- 25th percentile
- $68,530
- —/hr
- Median percentile
- $93,250
- —/hr
- 75th percentile
- $127,280
- —/hr
- 90th percentile
- $172,110
- —/hr
What do chemistry teachers, postsecondary do?
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.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- 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.
How to qualify for this work
Most people in this role hold master's degree — 35% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 5 — Extensive preparation needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Master's Degree35%
- Post-Doctoral Training31%
- Doctoral Degree25%
- Post-Baccalaureate Certificate6%
Common questions
How much does a chemistry teachers, postsecondary earn?
The national median is $93,250 a year. The full range runs from $57,870 at the 10th percentile to $172,110 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a chemistry teachers, postsecondary without a degree?
Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 5, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree). The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Reading Comprehension4.1/5
- Writing4.1/5
- Speaking4.1/5
- Active Listening4.0/5
- Science4.0/5
- Critical Thinking4.0/5
- Active Learning4.0/5
- Learning Strategies4.0/5
Knowledge areas
- Chemistry4.8/5
- English Language4.5/5
- Mathematics4.5/5
- Education and Training4.5/5
- Biology3.6/5
- Physics3.4/5
- Engineering and Technology3.4/5
- Computers and Electronics3.3/5
Transferable strengths: Instructing.