What Do Chemistry Professor Do?
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.
What Do Chemistry Professors Do On a Daily Basis?
- Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.
- 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.
- Collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues.
- Establish, teach, and monitor students’ compliance with safety rules for handling chemicals, equipment, and other hazardous materials.
- Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
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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
- Lecturer
- Natural Sciences Professor
- Instructor
- Physical Chemistry Professor
Job Demand for Chemistry Professors
There were about 26,300 jobs for Chemistry Professor in 2016 (in the United States). 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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 2,300 job openings in this field each year.

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.
Salary for a Chemistry Professor
The typical yearly salary for Chemistry Professors is somewhere between $44,970 and $158,830.

Chemistry Professors who work in California, New Hampshire, or Massachusetts, make the highest salaries.
How much do Chemistry Professors make in different U.S. states?
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 do Chemistry Professors Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Chemistry Professors may use on a daily basis:
- 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
Are there Chemistry Professors education requirements?

What work experience do I need to become a Chemistry Professor?

Where Chemistry Professors Work

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those interested in being a Chemistry Professor may also be interested in:
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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