Chemistryat Western Washington University
Graduates earn $48,527/yr in their first year — about 18.0% above the national Chemistry average. Base-case 10-year earnings $695K; scenarios range from $610K to $708K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Western Washington University
Your strong earnings potential from WWU's Chemistry program reflects the robust analytical and problem-solving skills you'll develop, highly valued in the broader Pacific Northwest market. Graduates frequently leverage their scientific rigor into roles beyond traditional lab work, particularly in data analysis and computational fields where their quantitative training is a significant asset. This explains why many find success in high-paying tech-adjacent positions, rather than solely in pure chemistry. While many chemistry tasks face increasing automation, driving the high AI risk, Western's strong foundation prepares you to adapt. Focus on complementing your core chemistry with computational coursework or data science internships to capitalize on these in-demand career paths.
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 Western Washington 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 Western Washington University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Western Washington University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Western Washington 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 Western Washington University
How does Western Washington University's Chemistry program score?
A score of 70/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. Western Washington 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 Western Washington University rank so high for Chemistry?
The #7 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.