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Career Profile

Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary

What they 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.

Also Called:

Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Biochemistry Professor, Chemistry Faculty Member, Chemistry Instructor, Chemistry Professor, Instructor, Lecturer, Organic Chemistry Professor, Professor, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Biochemistry Professor, Chemistry Faculty Member, Chemistry Instructor, Chemistry Professor, Instructor, Lecturer, Organic Chemistry Professor, Professor

Job Data & Employment

*National data provided by O*NET & BLS
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$57,870
Starting Salary (2025)
$93,250
Median Salary (2025)
2.2%
Projected Job Growth
19,980
Employment (2025)

Typical Tasks

Evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory performance, assignments, and papers.
Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
Write letters of recommendation for students.
Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Investigative
Studying, Research based work
Social
Working with people
Realistic
Practical, Physical Work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Analytical Thinking
Integrity
Attention to Detail
Dependability
Adaptability/Flexibility
Independence

What key skills are needed for this job?

Writing
Speaking
Reading Comprehension
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Learning Strategies

Expected Knowledge

Chemistry

Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Mathematics

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Common Activities

Training and Teaching Others

Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Working with Computers

Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others

Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.
Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.
Job 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.

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.

Typical Education Required

Education a new hire may need

  • Master's degree 35%
  • Post-doctoral training 31%
  • Doctoral degree 25%
  • Post-baccalaureate certificate 6%
  • Bachelor's degree 2%
  • Other 0%
Source: O*NET Education, Training & Experience data

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Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary

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*Data on career profiles are based on information supplied by the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration.