Chemistryat Duke University
Graduates earn $29,748/yr in their first year — about 28.0% below the national Chemistry average. Base-case 10-year earnings $412K; scenarios range from $407K to $406K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Duke University
A Duke Chemistry degree provides an exceptional analytical foundation, but understand its typical trajectory. Many graduates from elite research universities like Duke pursue advanced degrees or research-intensive roles in academia or R&D, where initial salaries can lag behind direct industry entry in fields like tech. Your rigorous problem-solving skills are highly transferable, which is why you see paths into data science and computing, leveraging the strong tech presence alongside biotech in the Research Triangle Park. Given the high AI risk in traditional lab settings, focusing on computational chemistry, data analysis, or management skills will be crucial for your long-term career trajectory. Actively seek internships and research opportunities that bridge pure chemistry with these interdisciplinary areas early on.
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 Duke University'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 Duke University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Duke University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Duke University, 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 Duke University
How does Duke University's Chemistry program score?
This program scores 28/100 — 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 Duke University?
Lower starting pay at Duke University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.