What is the starting salary for Chemistry graduates in Chicago?

The estimated starting salary for Chemistry graduates in Chicago, IL is $59,950 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 109. The national average starting salary for this major is $55,000. Salaries in Chicago are 9% higher than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Chemistry degree worth it in Chicago?

A Chemistry degree in Chicago has an estimated ROI payback period of 4.4 years, with a projected lifetime return of $503,768 after subtracting education costs. With 98 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $14,816/year, Chicago offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 4% and the major's national unemployment rate of 4.2% should also factor into your decision.

How much does it cost to study Chemistry in Chicago?

The average annual public university tuition in Chicago is $14,816, while private universities average $62,666/year. Including room and board ($9,117/year), total 4-year costs range from $95,732 at a public school to $287,132 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Chicago is $16,009/year.

What jobs can Chemistry graduates get in Chicago?

Chemistry graduates in Chicago can pursue careers as Chemist, Lab Technician, Quality Control Analyst. Key skills valued by local employers include Organic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Lab Techniques, Spectroscopy. The Chicago job market features Tech companies, Research labs, Government agencies among the top hiring sectors for this field. National top employers include Pfizer, Dow Chemical, BASF.

How long to pay off student loans for Chemistry in Chicago?

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Chemistry graduates in Chicago would pay $1,087/month on an estimated $95,732 in loans, with $34,710 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $1,873/month but save $18,056 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $59,950, monthly payments would represent 22% of gross monthly income.

Chemistry Degree in Chicago, IL — Salary & ROI 2026

Chemistry degree analysis for Chicago, IL. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.

Starting Salary

$60K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$93K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

4.4 yrs

in Chicago

Cost of Living

109

index (100 = avg)

Chemistry in Chicago, IL Overview

Chicago is one of Illinois's top college towns, with 98 institutions and a student population of 177,322. Public tuition averages $14,816/year here — near the national average for public universities. Although national enrollment in Chemistry has been declining, graduates with skills in Organic Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry remain competitive in the job market. The adjusted starting salary in Chicago is approximately $59,950, growing to $92,650 by mid-career.

Chemistry Salary in Chicago (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Chicago's cost of living index of 109 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$59,950(+$4,950 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$92,650(+$7,650 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$119,900(+$9,900 vs national)

Note: National average Chemistry salary: $55,000 starting, $85,000 mid-career, $110,000 senior level.Chicago adjustment factor: 1.09x based on the local cost of living index.

Chemistry ROI Calculator for Chicago

Estimate your return on investment for a Chemistry degree using local Chicago tuition and cost of living data.

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $14,816 | Private avg: $62,666

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Chicago avg aid: $16,009/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%

Total Education Cost

$95,732

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$21,800

vs HS diploma in Chicago

ROI Payback Period

4.4 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Chicago

$503,768

Lifetime earnings premium ($599,500) minus total education cost ($95,732)

Student Loan Payoff for Chemistry in Chicago

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$95,732

Monthly Payment$1,087

Total Interest$34,710

% of Monthly Income22%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$95,732

Monthly Payment$1,873

Total Interest$16,654

Interest Savings$18,056

Colleges in Chicago for Chemistry

University of Chicago

private

$62,940/yr

$251,760 total

Northwestern University

private

$62,391/yr

$249,564 total

University of Illinois at Chicago

public

$14,816/yr

$59,264 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

City Colleges of Chicago

$3,918/yr

Top Employers for Chemistry in Chicago

Chicago offers opportunities in Tech companies, Research labs, Government agencies for Chemistry graduates. National top employers in this field include:

PfizerDow ChemicalBASF3MMerck

Key Chicago Hiring Sectors for STEM

Tech companies

Research labs

Government agencies

Startups

Consulting firms

Common Chemistry Job Titles

ChemistLab TechnicianQuality Control Analyst

Chemistry in Nearby Illinois Cities

Aurora, IL

$51K starting · COL 92.8

7 colleges

Joliet, IL

$59K starting · COL 108

12 colleges

Naperville, IL

$56K starting · COL 102

13 colleges

Rockford, IL

$50K starting · COL 90

8 colleges

Elgin, IL

$43K starting · COL 79

13 colleges

Springfield, IL

$51K starting · COL 92

9 colleges

Peoria, IL

$57K starting · COL 104

5 colleges

Waukegan, IL

$50K starting · COL 90.3

4 colleges

Other STEM Majors in Chicago

Prompt Engineering

$55K starting · 1.5 yr ROI

Computational Linguistics

$104K starting · 2 yr ROI

Computer Science

$93K starting · 2.8 yr ROI

Software Engineering

$96K starting · 2.7 yr ROI

Data Science

$89K starting · 3 yr ROI

Astrophysics

$93K starting · 3 yr ROI

Actuarial Science

$55K starting · 3 yr ROI

Cybersecurity

$87K starting · 3 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

How we calculate Chemistry degree outcomes in Chicago, IL: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.

Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Chemistry programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for Illinois.
Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Chicago using regional CPI data.
10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
Job market outlook for Chemistry graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.

Authoritative US education data sources:

IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Chemistry career projections
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Chemistry grads

Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.

Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release

Financial Aid Resources for Chicago Students

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Illinois students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:

📋 Federal Aid (FAFSA)

Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):

🏛️ State Grants (Illinois)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — Illinois programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "illinois higher education commission grants"

🎓 College Outcomes Data

Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:

• College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
• NCES College Navigator
• IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center

💰 Scholarship Search

Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:

2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.

Chemistry Degree in Chicago — FAQ

Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.

Explore More

Compare Chemistry ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Chicago.

Chemistry Overview Colleges in Chicago All Majors