Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary fall under the Education, Training, and Library category in the U.S. occupational classification. Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median salary of $86,220 per year, ranking in the top 20% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +2.2% job growth through 2034, projected to grow slower than the US average. Entry into this field typically requires a bachelor's degree, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.

What do chemistry teachers, postsecondary earn?

The median annual wage for chemistry teachers, postsecondary is $86,220. That puts chemistry teachers, postsecondary at #159 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. This salary is above the U.S. median for individual workers and reflects a stable, credentialed occupation. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.

Is chemistry teachers, postsecondary a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for chemistry teachers, postsecondary is +2.2%, projected to grow slower than the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 25K positions in 2024 to 26K in 2034, a net change of 1K. Flat growth typically reflects a mature, stable field. Most openings will come from retirements rather than new positions, which can favor candidates with strong networks and willingness to relocate.

What do chemistry teachers, postsecondary do every day?

According to O*NET task surveys of working chemistry teachers, postsecondary, these are the core responsibilities most professionals perform. This is what your teen would actually be doing in this role.

1. 1.Supervise students' laboratory work.
2. 2.Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
3. 3.Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
4. 4.Prepare and submit required reports related to instruction.
5. 5.Clean laboratory facilities.
6. 6.Participate in student recruitment, registration, and placement activities.
7. 7.Establish, teach, and monitor students' compliance with safety rules for handling chemicals, equipment, and other hazardous materials.
8. 8.Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.

Top skills for chemistry teachers, postsecondary

O*NET ranks these as the most important skills for this occupation, on a 1–5 importance scale derived from worker surveys.

What education does my child need to become chemistry teachers, postsecondary?

The standard path into chemistry teachers, postsecondary begins with a bachelor's degree in a related field, followed by entry-level experience or internships during college. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.

Related careers your child might also consider

• Law Teachers, Postsecondary
  $126,650 median
• Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
  $119,980 median
• Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
  $106,120 median
• Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
  $105,620 median
• Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary
  $101,480 median
• Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
  $101,390 median

Common questions parents ask about chemistry teachers, postsecondary