Chemistryat University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Graduates earn $32,516/yr in their first year — about 21.0% below the national Chemistry average. Base-case 10-year earnings $678K; scenarios range from $599K to $690K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Your Chemistry degree from UNC Chapel Hill provides a rigorous scientific foundation at a highly respected institution. The initial career earnings for this path often reflect a common trajectory: many graduates use their bachelor's as a springboard for further education, whether pursuing a Ph.D. in chemistry, biochemistry, or materials science, or entering professional programs like medicine or pharmacy. These routes delay entry into peak earning roles, as the bachelor's is a foundational step, not typically the terminal degree for high-level research or management.
For those entering the workforce directly, the proximity to Research Triangle Park offers opportunities in quality control, lab analysis, or R&D support within the region's robust biotech and pharmaceutical sectors. However, the most lucrative and AI-resilient positions, such as those in data science or scientific management, usually demand advanced degrees or specialized computational skills. Therefore, strategically plan your post-undergraduate path, exploring internships and considering graduate education or targeted skill development to unlock your full earning potential.
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 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill'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 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 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 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Chemistry at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?
This program scores 53/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Chemistry programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
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 $598,599 in decade earnings vs $690,408 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with Chemistry from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.