Chemistryat San Francisco State University
Graduates earn $44,140/yr in their first year — about 7.0% above the national Chemistry average. Base-case 10-year earnings $875K; scenarios range from $740K to $900K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at SF State
Your chemistry degree from SF State positions you uniquely within the dynamic San Francisco Bay Area labor market. The strong earning potential reflects not just the robust demand for scientific talent in local biotech and pharmaceutical industries, but also the program's implicit preparation for roles that leverage analytical rigor beyond traditional lab work. Proximity to innovation hubs means graduates frequently transition into data science, computational chemistry, or research roles where a strong scientific foundation is critical. While many traditional lab functions face increasing AI integration, your analytical training makes you valuable in developing, managing, or applying these new technologies. Focus on developing strong computational skills and actively networking within the region's diverse scientific and tech communities to maximize your career trajectory.
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 SF 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 SF State stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at SF State
Other highest-scoring programs offered at SF 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 SF State
How does San Francisco State University's Chemistry program score?
A score of 71/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. San Francisco State University's Chemistry graduates fare well on earnings, job market size, and return on investment.
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 does San Francisco State University rank so high for Chemistry?
The #3 ranking out of 205 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.