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Physical Sciences · Chemistry Rank #6 of 205

Chemistryat University of Houston

Graduates earn $50,717/yr in their first year — about 23.0% above the national Chemistry average. Base-case 10-year earnings $664K; scenarios range from $588K to $675K depending on AI disruption.

Houston, TX Public Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
70 STRONG
70
Optimistic
66
Pessimistic
Earnings
$50,717
1-year post-graduation
ROI
18.2x
Earnings : in-state tuition
10-yr Base
$664K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
High
49% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at University of Houston

The University of Houston's Chemistry program stands out, reflecting the unique opportunities in the Houston metropolitan area. This isn't just about traditional lab work; your rigorous analytical training is incredibly valuable in the region's vast energy, petrochemical, and growing tech and healthcare sectors. Many graduates leverage their problem-solving and quantitative skills to transition into roles in data science, computational modeling, or even management within scientific industries. The strong local demand for these interdisciplinary talents, particularly those who can apply scientific reasoning to complex data, underpins the program's impressive career outcomes. While AI's growing influence means these roles require continuous adaptation, your foundational scientific understanding provides a robust platform. You'll find recruiting pipelines into companies that need professionals who can bridge the gap between scientific principles and data-driven solutions. Focus on internships that build your computational and statistical toolkit to maximize your post-graduation prospects.

AI Outlook Integration

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.

Pessimistic
Mass Automation
$588K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score66/100
Earnings Multiple15.1x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$664K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score70/100
Earnings Multiple17.1x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$675K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score70/100
Earnings Multiple17.4x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to University of Houston's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.

Career Paths

Where Chemistry graduates typically work

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.

1
Natural sciences managers
+3.7% 10-yr growth · 8,500 openings/yr
$161,180/yr
High
2
Computer and information research scientists
+19.7% 10-yr growth · 3,200 openings/yr
$140,910/yr
High
3
Data scientists
+33.5% 10-yr growth · 23,400 openings/yr
$112,590/yr
High
4
Computer occupations, all other
+8.2% 10-yr growth · 31,300 openings/yr
$108,970/yr
High
5
Physics teachers, postsecondary
+2.5% 10-yr growth · 1,300 openings/yr
$97,360/yr
Moderate
6
Environmental science teachers, postsecondary
+2.9% 10-yr growth · 700 openings/yr
$87,710/yr
High
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. AI exposure from OpenAI GPTs-are-GPTs and Felten AIOE research.
Compare & Explore

Peer schools offering Chemistry

How University of Houston stacks up against other schools offering this major.

Highest earnings
Northeastern University
MA · Private nonprofit
61
DW Score
$63K
1-yr earn
2.8x
ROI
University of California-Berkeley
CA · Public
64
DW Score
$60K
1-yr earn
10.0x
ROI
Montclair State University
NJ · Public
56
DW Score
$55K
1-yr earn
8.4x
ROI
Bridgewater State University
MA · Public
72
DW Score
$55K
1-yr earn
17.2x
ROI
University of Delaware
DE · Public
66
DW Score
$54K
1-yr earn
11.0x
ROI
Also at University of Houston

Other top programs at University of Houston

Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Houston, 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 →
FAQ

Frequently asked about Chemistry at University of Houston

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Chemistry at University of Houston?

This program scores 70/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Chemistry nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.

Will AI replace Chemistry careers?

With 47% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $588,352 in decade earnings vs $675,245 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

What makes University of Houston's Chemistry program stand out?

Ranked #6 of 205 programs nationally, University of Houston lands in the top 5%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.