How To Become A Chemistry Instructor: What It Is and Career Path

What is a chemistry instructor and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted expert

David McMahan Ph.D.

A chemistry instructor is a teacher that specializes in teaching chemistry. They teach about the chemical properties and processes of different substances under different conditions. They also teach students about the uses and dangers of chemicals and draw conclusions from observations and data collected. Their ultimate objective is to ensure that students are well-grounded in chemistry concepts.

Chemistry instructors usually work in high schools and universities, and research facilities. A successful chemistry instructor should have chemistry knowledge, teaching skills, attention to detail, interpersonal skills, communication skills, critical thinking skills, and time management skills.

A chemistry instructor usually has a regular work schedule. They work 40 hours a week Monday to Friday from 9 to 5. Their work schedule depends on the institution's operating hours. They also set aside some time to address individual students' concerns.

What general advice would you give to a chemistry instructor?

David McMahan Ph.D.

Charles A. Dana Professor of Religious Studies, Franklin and Marshall College

Keep open to possibilities beyond the narrow range of what your diploma lists as your major or minor. Whatever job you get trained for today, in 10-20 years, it may be very different. Or it may not exist. Focus on obtaining and maintaining flexibility, critical thinking, creativity, and passion for learning. Being an interesting person is as vital as any credential.

ScoreChemistry InstructorUS Average

Salary

5.0

Avg. Salary $63,631

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

6.6

Growth rate 12%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

5.1

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.28%

Asian 15.53%

Black or African American 6.70%

Hispanic or Latino 9.58%

Unknown 4.86%

White 63.05%

Gender

female 42.07%

male 57.93%

Age - 46

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 46

Stress level

6.6

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

10.0

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

5.0

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a chemistry instructor

Explore chemistry instructor education requirements

Most common chemistry instructor degrees

Bachelor's

62.6 %

Master's

21.3 %

Doctorate

11.7 %

Start to develop specific chemistry instructor skills

Skills	Percentages
MCAT	25.08%
Professional Development	20.28%
Lab Experiments	7.71%
Student Learning	6.95%
Syllabus	4.16%

Research chemistry instructor duties and responsibilities

Assist classmates with developing positive study habits and strategies for managing classroom material.
Develop syllabus and overall course structure, including course content, and administer all grades.
Attend weekly TA meetings and collaborate with chemistry professor to design lesson plans and experiments.
Demonstrate laboratory concepts and provide a safe working environment during laboratory.

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