Chemistryat California State University-Fresno
Graduates earn $18,896/yr in their first year — about 54.0% below the national Chemistry average. Base-case 10-year earnings $619K; scenarios range from $556K to $627K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Fresno State
The earnings data here reflects the specific economic landscape of the Central Valley rather than any inherent limitation of the chemistry program itself. Unlike major coastal hubs, Fresno's regional economy is heavily rooted in agriculture and related industries. This means that many direct chemistry roles available locally often fall into areas like food science, environmental analysis, or quality control for agricultural products, which typically offer more modest compensation compared to pharmaceutical or advanced materials research positions found in other parts of California.
You'll notice the highest-earning career paths often involve pivoting into management or data science, indicating a strong analytical foundation but also the need to build additional skill sets or pursue roles outside traditional lab work for significant salary growth. If you’re considering this program, proactively seek internships that align with your desired *industry*, even if it means exploring opportunities beyond the immediate region, or plan to supplement your chemistry background with skills in areas like data analytics to expand your career options.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Fresno State's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Chemistry
How Fresno State stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Fresno State
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Fresno State, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Chemistry offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Chemistry trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Chemistry at Fresno State
How does California State University-Fresno's Chemistry program score?
This program scores 42/100 — on the lower end for Chemistry. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Chemistry to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Chemistry careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 47% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Chemistry earnings lower at California State University-Fresno?
Lower starting pay at California State University-Fresno may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.