A chemistry teacher at the postsecondary level instructs students in chemical principles, reactions, and laboratory techniques. You'll need a master's degree and strong expertise in chemistry. The work is intellectually demanding and requires both deep subject knowledge and teaching skill.
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Chemistry teachers at colleges and universities design and deliver lectures, lead laboratory sessions, and guide students through complex chemical concepts. You'll prepare course materials, grade assignments and exams, and interpret scientific data for your students. Much of your work involves staying current with chemistry research and educational methods. You'll also spend time working with computers to manage coursework, create presentations, and analyze student performance. Your role combines subject matter expertise with the ability to make chemistry accessible and engaging to diverse learners.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $93,250 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is modest. Employment is projected to grow 2 percent from 2024 to 2034, little or no change for all occupations, with about 1,900 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
You'll need a master's degree in chemistry or a related field, which typically takes two years beyond a bachelor's degree. Your undergraduate preparation should include extensive coursework in chemistry, mathematics, physics, and biology. During graduate study, you'll deepen your chemistry knowledge through advanced courses and research. Many programs require you to develop teaching experience as a graduate teaching assistant. This extensive preparation ensures you have both the subject expertise and pedagogical skills needed to teach at the postsecondary level effectively.
Most paths to this career start with a strong bachelor's degree, then continue into graduate study. The choice between different graduate programs and institutions depends on your research interests and career goals, so Pathly can map the chemistry teacher, postsecondary path that fits you with your counselor to map out the steps that fit your situation.
You do not need a license to work as a chemistry teacher, postsecondary, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
You're drawn to investigative work, enjoy solving complex problems, and want to help others understand how the world works through chemistry and scientific thinking.
Reading about a career is the easy part. Turning it into a plan is where most students get stuck. Pathly takes you from curious to a clear next step, and gives your counselor the insight to champion you along the way.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).