Physical Chemistry: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Physical chemistry explores the fundamental principles governing the behavior of matter at all scales—from subatomic particles to complex biological systems—through rigorous theoretical and experimental analysis. This discipline bridges the gap between physics and chemistry, enabling precise predictions of molecular interactions, reaction pathways, and material properties.
- Quantum mechanics: The foundational theory explaining the behavior of particles at atomic and subatomic levels, including wave-particle duality and energy quantization.
- Spectroscopy: The study of how matter interacts with electromagnetic radiation, used to identify molecular structures and analyze dynamic processes.
- Thermodynamics: The analysis of energy transformations, equilibrium states, and the direction of spontaneous processes in chemical systems.
- Statistical mechanics: A framework linking microscopic molecular behavior to macroscopic thermodynamic properties using probability and ensemble theory.
- Reaction dynamics: The investigation of how chemical reactions proceed at the molecular level, including transition states and reaction rates.
- Group theory: A mathematical approach to understanding symmetry in molecules, essential for predicting spectroscopic properties and orbital interactions.
- Collision theory: A model explaining how molecular collisions lead to chemical reactions, emphasizing energy, orientation, and activation barriers.
- Polymer science: The study of large-chain molecules, including their synthesis, structure, properties, and behavior in bulk and solution.
Physical Chemistry Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Physical Chemistry Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Physical 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 204,510 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 |
Physical Chemistry Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $73,910 in Vermont to $147,940 in Massachusetts—a 100% difference. The highest-paying states include Massachusetts, California, and District of Columbia. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 204,510 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 Physical Chemistry by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 3 institutions offering Physical 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 Physical Chemistry is found at University of Puerto Rico (UPR), Rio Piedras (4 graduates), Iowa State University (ISU) (3 graduates), and Dartmouth College (1 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 8 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Puerto Rico (UPR) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
4 | San Juan, Puerto Rico | Public | uprrp.edu |
| Iowa State University (ISU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
3 | Ames, Iowa | Public | iastate.edu |
| Dartmouth College |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Hanover, New Hampshire | Private | dartmouth.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Physical Chemistry programs
How much can I earn with a Physical Chemistry degree?
Salaries for Physical 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 $147,940 compared to $73,910 in Vermont. Approximately 204,510 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 Physical Chemistry programs?
Currently 3 accredited institutions offer Physical Chemistry degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Puerto Rico (UPR), Rio Piedras (4 graduates), Iowa State University (ISU) (3 graduates), and Dartmouth College (1 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 Physical Chemistry growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 10 in 2010 to 8 in 2023-24. This represents a 20% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, 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 Physical Chemistry degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Natural Sciences Managers, Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary, and Chemists. Related occupations employ approximately 204,510 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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