Entry Level Salary
$38,866
Median Salary
$115,857
Unemployment Rate
2.6%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
16.0%
Working non-college jobs
Earnings Trajectory
Lifetime: $4,634,280
Entry (Early)
$38,866
Median (Prime)
$115,857
High (Prime)
$125,000
ROI Sensitivity AnalysisAssuming 4 Years to Graduation
This analysis tests three "What-If" scenarios. While most students start at the Entry Level, calculating ROI using Median and High salaries helps illustrate the potential long-term payoff for top performers relative to the degree cost.
Lifetime Value Added (NPV)
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
-106k
+535k
+608k
$25k / yr
-196k
+445k
+518k
$50k / yr
-285k
+355k
+428k
Break-even Age
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
Never
24
24
$25k / yr
Never
27
27
$50k / yr
Never
31
29
Return on Investment %
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
0%
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-180%
409%
476%
$50k / yr
-131%
163%
197%
Sensitivity Analysis Methodology: These grids assume you begin your career earning the salary specified in the column header (Entry Level = conservative baseline, Median/High = potential upside).
These figures are medians for past graduates who received federal aid. Your cost and pay will differ. Run your own numbers in the Guided ROI Interview →
Education Impact
Advanced Degree Rate60.5%
Analysis: A large percentage of students in this field pursue Master's or Doctoral degrees to maximize earnings.
Top Professions
Physicians
9.0% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$50,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$267,961|$271,090
openings
20,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +3.6%
Chemists and materials scientists
6.8% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$54,655
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$92,178|$95,060
openings
6,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.6%
Physical scientists, all other
6.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$51,448
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$106,880|$122,570
openings
1,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +2.1%
Postsecondary teachers
6.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$30,123
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$70,000|$82,250
openings
123,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6%
Management occupations
5.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$46,343
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$149,000|$126,520
openings
1,081,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.2%
Pharmacists
2.8% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$23,171
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$133,819|$140,910
openings
12,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.2%
Secondary school teachers
2.2% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$50,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$69,514|$70,930
openings
70,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.2%
Life scientists
2.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$53,989
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$102,938|$96,310
openings
27,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): +9.4%
Software developers
1.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$101,825
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$139,340|$135,980
openings
95,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): +10.2%
Lawyers, judges, and related workers
1.6% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$80,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$170,000|$155,120
openings
31,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.5%
About this Data:
- Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 22 to 27 (American Community Survey).
- Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
- Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2025–2035).
Program Variants & Earnings Ranges
Summary of specific program titles and credential levels mapped to this major, showing the range of earnings across different colleges.
Completers Only: Federal median earnings data strictly reflects outcomes for students who successfully graduated. Students who do not complete their degree typically earn significantly less and face higher risks of debt default.
| Program Title | Credential Level | # Colleges | Median Earnings Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| chemistry. | Undergrad Certificate | 9 | $42,544 - $42,544 |
| chemistry. | Associate's Degree | 103 | $60,787 - $60,787 |
| chemistry. | Bachelor's Degree | 1040 | $40,586 - $106,312 |
| chemistry. | Master's Degree | 258 | $59,919 - $139,050 |
| chemistry. | Doctoral Degree | 197 | $91,446 - $170,898 |