Science

What Can You Do With a Chemistry Degree?

The science of matter and reactions, behind medicine, clean energy, and new materials. We track 14 careers that a Chemistry degree commonly leads to, with median pay from $62,930 to $244,180 depending on the role and how far you take it.

How these numbers work: A major does not have its own salary. The pay above comes from the 14 careers below that a Chemistry degree commonly leads to, using each one's national median wage from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Entry-level roles sit toward the bottom of that range and advanced or graduate-level roles toward the top, so where you land depends on the specific career and any further education. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034).

Careers this major leads to

Physician (Family Medicine)$244,180 median · About average Dentist$170,950 median · About average Natural Sciences Manager$167,220 median · About average Pharmacist$140,910 median · Faster than average Optometrist$136,570 median · Much faster than average Physician Assistant$135,880 median · Much faster than average Biochemist$127,410 median · Faster than average Chemical Engineer$125,040 median · About average Biomedical Scientist / Researcher$103,410 median · Much faster than average Chemist$91,240 median · Faster than average Food Scientist$88,720 median · Much faster than average Environmental Scientist$82,220 median · About average Forensic Science Technician$72,060 median · Much faster than average Medical Laboratory Scientist$62,930 median · Slower than average

Frequently asked questions

What can you do with a Chemistry degree?

A Chemistry degree commonly leads to 14 careers we track, including Physician (Family Medicine), Dentist, and Natural Sciences Manager. Median pay across those roles runs from $62,930 to $244,180 a year (BLS).

How much do Chemistry majors make?

A major does not have its own salary. The 14 careers a Chemistry degree leads to have national median wages from $62,930 to $244,180 a year (BLS). Entry-level roles sit toward the bottom of that range and senior or graduate-level roles toward the top.

What jobs can a Chemistry major get?

Common roles include Physician (Family Medicine), Dentist, Natural Sciences Manager, and Pharmacist. Physician (Family Medicine) is among the higher-paying, at $244,180 median.

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Salary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.