Analytical Chemistry: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Analytical Chemistry is a rigorous scientific discipline centered on the precise identification, quantification, and characterization of chemical substances and their interactions. This program equips students with advanced technical expertise to solve complex problems across research, industry, and healthcare through systematic and accurate chemical analysis.
- Spectroscopy: The study of how matter interacts with electromagnetic radiation to determine composition, structure, and concentration of substances.
- Chromatography: A separation technique used to isolate and analyze individual components within a mixture based on their differential affinities to a stationary phase.
- Atomic Absorption: A method for quantifying metal concentrations by measuring the absorption of light by free metallic ions in a gaseous state.
- Photometry: The measurement of light intensity to assess the concentration of analytes in solution, particularly in colorimetric and spectrophotometric analyses.
- Chemical Modeling: The use of computational and theoretical frameworks to predict molecular behavior, reaction pathways, and analytical outcomes.
- Mathematical Analysis: The application of statistical and quantitative methods to interpret data, assess uncertainty, and validate analytical results.
- Laboratory Analysis Procedures: Hands-on training in standardized protocols for sample preparation, data collection, and quality control in real-world analytical environments.
- Equipment Maintenance: Instruction in the calibration, troubleshooting, and upkeep of precision instruments such as mass spectrometers, HPLC systems, and spectrophotometers.
- Applied Research and Industry Applications: Integration of analytical techniques to address challenges in pharmaceuticals, environmental monitoring, materials science, and clinical diagnostics.
Analytical Chemistry Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Analytical Chemistry Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Analytical Chemistry degrees, including Natural Sciences Managers, Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary and Chemists. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 260,150 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Sciences Managers 11-9121 | $161,180 | $79,830 - $239,200 | 100,870 | $77.49 |
| Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1052 | $86,220 | $52,870 - $171,600 | 20,390 | N/A |
| Chemists 19-2031 | $84,150 | $53,210 - $154,430 | 83,250 | $40.46 |
| Chemical Technicians 19-4031 | $57,790 | $39,030 - $90,990 | 55,640 | $27.78 |
Analytical Chemistry Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $69,583 in Vermont to $127,185 in Massachusetts—a 83% difference. The highest-paying states include Massachusetts, California, and District of Columbia. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 260,150 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Analytical Chemistry by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 7 institutions offering Analytical Chemistry programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Analytical Chemistry is found at West Chester University of Pennsylvania (WCU) (11 graduates), Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) (8 graduates), Governors State University (GSU) (6 graduates), Iowa State University (ISU) (6 graduates), and Stevens Institute of Technology (4 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 38 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Chester University of Pennsylvania (WCU) |
Bachelor's
|
11 | West Chester, Pennsylvania | Public | wcupa.edu |
| Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) |
Master's
|
8 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | iit.edu |
| Governors State University (GSU) |
Master's
|
6 | University Park, Illinois | Public | govst.edu |
| Iowa State University (ISU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
6 | Ames, Iowa | Public | iastate.edu |
| Stevens Institute of Technology |
Postbac Cert.
|
4 | Hoboken, New Jersey | Private | stevens.edu |
| University of Toledo (UToledo) |
Other Award
|
2 | Toledo, Ohio | Public | utoledo.edu |
| Tiffin University (TU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Tiffin, Ohio | Private | tiffin.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Analytical Chemistry programs
How much can I earn with a Analytical Chemistry degree?
Salaries for Analytical Chemistry graduates vary by role and location. Natural Sciences Managers earn a median of $161,180 annually, while Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary earn around $86,220. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Massachusetts average $127,185 compared to $69,583 in Vermont. Approximately 260,150 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Analytical Chemistry programs?
Currently 7 accredited institutions offer Analytical Chemistry degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include West Chester University of Pennsylvania (WCU) (11 graduates), Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) (8 graduates), and Governors State University (GSU) (6 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Analytical Chemistry growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 31 in 2010 to 38 in 2023-24. This represents a 23% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Analytical Chemistry degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Natural Sciences Managers, Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary, and Chemists. Related occupations employ approximately 260,150 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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