Life As a Chemistry Professor
Chemistry Professor Job Description Teach courses pertaining to the chemical and physical properties and compositional changes of substances. Work may include 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.
A Day in the Life of a Chemistry Professor
- Provide professional consulting services to government or industry.
- Compile bibliographies of specialized materials for outside reading assignments.
- Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
- Perform administrative duties, such as serving as a department head.
- Supervise students' laboratory work.
- Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
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What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Chemistry Professor?
These are the skills Chemistry Professors say are the most useful in their careers:
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Types of Chemistry Professor
- Adjunct Instructor
- Physical Chemistry Professor
- Instructor
- Assistant Professor of Biochemistry
- Chemistry Instructor
Chemistry Professor Employment Estimates
In the United States, there were 26,300 jobs for Chemistry Professor in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 9.9% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 2,600 new jobs for Chemistry Professor by 2026. The BLS estimates 2,300 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Chemistry Professor are Utah, Colorado, and Nevada. Watch out if you plan on working in Wyoming, North Dakota, or Montana. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Do Chemistry Professors Make A Lot Of Money?
The salary for Chemistry Professors ranges between about $44,970 and $158,830 a year.

Chemistry Professors who work in California, New Hampshire, or Massachusetts, make the highest salaries.
How much do Chemistry Professors make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $80,840 |
Arizona | $89,380 |
Arkansas | $72,560 |
California | $116,530 |
Colorado | $87,960 |
Connecticut | $81,680 |
Delaware | $90,430 |
District of Columbia | $81,040 |
Florida | $98,270 |
Georgia | $96,420 |
Idaho | $66,870 |
Illinois | $87,070 |
Indiana | $91,480 |
Iowa | $94,470 |
Kansas | $92,590 |
Kentucky | $68,760 |
Maine | $76,130 |
Maryland | $94,480 |
Massachusetts | $104,780 |
Michigan | $92,640 |
Minnesota | $86,150 |
Mississippi | $80,710 |
Missouri | $89,340 |
Montana | $73,170 |
Nebraska | $80,330 |
Nevada | $75,380 |
New Hampshire | $102,990 |
New York | $102,260 |
North Carolina | $85,800 |
North Dakota | $75,880 |
Ohio | $98,380 |
Oklahoma | $65,000 |
Oregon | $97,780 |
Pennsylvania | $93,510 |
Rhode Island | $115,080 |
South Carolina | $72,970 |
South Dakota | $74,200 |
Tennessee | $78,970 |
Texas | $95,070 |
Utah | $94,160 |
Virginia | $78,160 |
Washington | $72,320 |
West Virginia | $80,840 |
Wisconsin | $81,090 |
Wyoming | $79,970 |
What Tools & Technology do Chemistry Professors Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Chemistry Professors:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Data entry software
- Email software
- Google Docs
- Calendar and scheduling software
- Learning management system LMS
- Blackboard Learn
- Desire2Learn
- Course management system software
- Collaborative editing software
- Sakai CLE
- DOC Cop
- iParadigms Turnitin
- Image scanning software
- OriginLab Origin
Becoming a Chemistry Professor
What kind of Chemistry Professor requirements are there?

How Long Does it Take to Become a Chemistry Professor?

Where do Chemistry Professors Work?

Below are examples of industries where Chemistry Professors work:

Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those thinking about becoming a Chemistry Professor might also be interested in the following careers:
Are you already one of the many Chemistry Professor in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
Image Credit: Sarah Chambers via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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