How to become chemistry teachers, postsecondaryeducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Education Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$93,250

25th–75th pct. $68,530–$127,280

Top pay (est.)

$223,700

Top 10% $172,110

Pay in 5 years

$107,000est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$122,800est.

$105,600–$142,600

Outlook score

55/100

★★★☆☆ Average

AI replacement risk

54%

Moderate

Job growth (10 yr)

+2.3%

1,700 openings / yr

How to become chemistry teachers, postsecondary

Typical education

Doctoral or professional degree

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

None

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary

Key skills

Speaking

5.0

Reading Comprehension

5.0

Writing

4.9

Instructing

4.6

Science

4.2

Critical Thinking

4.0

Active Listening

4.0

Complex Problem Solving

4.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Chemistry

6.2

Education and Training

6.1

Mathematics

5.7

English Language

5.2

Biology

4.8

Computers and Electronics

4.3

Administrative

4.2

Physics

4.1

What the work involves

Training and Teaching OthersInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkThinking CreativelyCoaching and Developing OthersAnalyzing Data or Information

Important abilities

Oral ExpressionOral ComprehensionWritten ExpressionWritten ComprehensionSpeech ClarityDeductive Reasoning

Education of workers

Master's degree

35%

Post-doctoral training

31%

Doctoral degree

25%

Post-bachelor's certificate

Bachelor's degree

Training before entry

None / short demo

37%

Up to 1 month

33%

2–4 years

18%

1–3 months

6–12 months

Related work experience

4–6 years

23%

6–8 years

18%

2–4 years

16%

3–6 months

13%

None

11%

6–12 months

1–2 years

1–3 months

Job Zone 5 — extensive preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★★☆ Demanding (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as chemistry teachers, postsecondary

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education Teach academic and social skills to students at the elementary school level.	$63,970	46/100	28%
2	Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.	$72,040	45/100	36%
3	Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education Teach one or more subjects to students at the middle, intermediate, or junior high school level.	$64,370	40/100	45%
4	Substitute Teachers, Short-Term Teach students on a short-term basis as a temporary replacement for a regular classroom teacher, typically using the regular teacher's lesson plan.	$41,670	49/100	39%
5	Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education Instruct preschool-aged students, following curricula or lesson plans, in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth.	$38,140	62/100	16%
6	Self-Enrichment Teachers Teach or instruct individuals or groups for the primary purpose of self-enrichment or recreation, rather than for an occupational objective, educational attainment, competition, or fitness.	$46,800	61/100	22%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.