upper level job

College Instructor - Chemistry Salary in the United States

How much does a College Instructor - Chemistry make in the United States?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a College Instructor - Chemistry in the United States is $62,600 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.

However, a College Instructor - Chemistry's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $78,648
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $54,100 to $71,000
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $46,361

Key Factors That Influence College Instructor - Chemistry Salaries

A College Instructor - Chemistry's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do College Instructor - Chemistry Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract College Instructor - Chemistries. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $69,300.
  • California: $69,000.
  • Massachusetts: $68,100.

Top Paying Cities for College Instructor - Chemistries

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $78,900
  • San Francisco: $78,100
  • Oakland: $76,400

What Skills Can Increase a College Instructor - Chemistry's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Commitment (Mentioned in 12.86% Job Postings): An agreement or pledge to do something in the future a commitment to improve conditions at the prison especially : an engagement to assume a financial obligation at a future date.
  • Tutoring (Mentioned in 2.25% Job Postings): A Tutor is responsible for helping students learn and understand new concepts and complete assignments.
  • Safety Standards (Mentioned in 1.36% Job Postings): Safety standards are designed to ensure the safety of products, activities and processes, etc. They may be advisory or compulsory and are normally laid down by an advisory or regulatory body that may be either voluntary or statutory.
Skills Demand Percentage
Commitment 12.86%
Tutoring 2.25%
Safety Standards 1.36%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a College Instructor - Chemistry's salary.

  • Pediatric: Can increase your salary by up to 35%.
  • Analysis: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
  • First Aid: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Pediatric $84,510
35%
Analysis $66,356
6%
First Aid $65,730
5%

College Instructor - Chemistry Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

College Instructor - Chemistry salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $64,617. While startup companies pay approximate $55,227.

College Instructor - Chemistry Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $55,227
Growth Stage 51~500 $58,269
Established 501~5000 $62,538
Enterprise 5000+ $64,617

How Education impacts a College Instructor - Chemistry's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many College Instructor - Chemistries enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a College Instructor - Chemistry with a Bachelor's Degree is between $51,007 and $58,967).

College Instructor - Chemistry Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for College Instructor - Chemistry
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 21.9%
High School 50.0%
Associates 28.1%
Bachelors 21.9%
Masters 50.0%
Doctorate 28.1%

College Instructor - Chemistry Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a College Instructor - Chemistry's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on October 01, 2026
$54,100
Average $62,600/year
$71,000
$4,508
Average $5,217/month
$5,917
$1,040
Average $1,204/week
$1,365
$26
Average $30/hour
$34
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $71,000 $5,917 $1,365 $34
Average $62,600 $5,217 $1,204 $30
25th Percentile $54,100 $4,508 $1,040 $26

College Instructor - Chemistry Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a College Instructor - Chemistry, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

College Instructor - Chemistry Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
College Assistant Professor - Architecture $72,300 15%
College Assistant Professor - Biology $71,100 14%
College Assistant Professor - Chemical Engineering $96,300 54%
College Assistant Professor - Civil Engineering $90,500 45%

Most common benefits for College Instructor - Chemistry

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for College Instructor - Chemistry

Here are companies hiring for College Instructor - Chemistry and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next College Instructor - Chemistry Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current College Instructor - Chemistry job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

For Employees

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Get a Salary Increase

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

Search Job Openings

For Employers

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Adjust Employee Salary

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

Price My Industry Jobs

FAQ about College Instructor - Chemistry

1. How much do chemistry teachers make in the US?

Chemistry instructors in the US typically earn between $45,000 and $80,100 annually. The average salary is around $56,000, reflecting the midpoint of this range. These figures provide a general overview of the compensation for this role in the education sector.

2. What is the highest paying job in chemistry?

The highest paying jobs in chemistry include positions like Medicinal Chemist, with salaries ranging from $120,000 to $175,000 per year, and Wet Chemistry Analyst, earning between $113,000 and $128,500. For College Instructors in Chemistry, salaries range from $45,000 to $80,100, with a mid-salary of $56,000.

3. Which field of chemistry pays the most?

While high-paying roles in chemistry include positions like Medicinal Chemist and Wet Chemistry Analyst, a College Instructor in Chemistry typically earns between $45,000 and $80,100 annually, with a mid-salary of $56,000. This reflects a more modest salary compared to specialized chemist roles in the industry.

4. How much do chemistry professors make in the US?

Chemistry instructors in the US typically earn between $45,000 and $80,100 annually, with a median salary of around $56,000. While top earners can make significantly more, the average salary for chemistry professors is approximately $56,000 per year, translating to about $4,667 per month.

5. Do you need a PhD to be an adjunct professor?

Many four-year colleges and universities require a doctorate to qualify for an adjunct professor role, especially in fields like chemistry. However, two-year community colleges often accept candidates with a master's degree. Salaries for college instructors in chemistry typically range from $45,000 to $80,100, with a mid-salary of $56,000.

6. Who are the highest paid college professors?

The highest-paid college professors often earn significantly above average salaries. For example, college instructors in chemistry typically have salaries ranging from $45,000 to $80,100, with a median salary of $56,000. Notable professors at prestigious institutions can command even higher compensation, reflecting their expertise and contributions to academia.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

  • Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
  • Job and employee pricing reports
  • Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.
Learn about CompAnalyst