by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 8 U.S. colleges awarded 25 degrees and certificates in Geochemistry. Doctorates are the most popular award, at 44% of graduates. Graduates earn a median $43,327 one year after completing, rising to $65,518 after four years.
A major in Geochemistry explores Geochemistry. A Program That Focuses On The Scientific Study Of The Chemical Properties And Behavior Of The Silicates And Other Substances Forming, And Formed By Geomorphological Processes Of The Earth And Other Planets. Includes Instruction In Chemical Thermodynamics, Equilibrium In Silicate Systems, Atomic Bonding, Isotopic Fractionation, Geochemical Modeling, Specimen Analysis, And Studies Of Specific Organic And Inorganic Substances.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
Across the country, geochemistry draws strong interest, with 25 degrees awarded annually. 8 colleges award geochemistry degrees, an average of 3 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 5.
By level, the 25 awards include 9 bachelor’s degrees, 5 master’s degrees and 11 doctorates.
Women earned 48% of geochemistry degrees and certificates in the latest year (12 of 25). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (14) and multiracial (3), and international students earned 5.
The most common geochemistry credential is the doctorate: 11 of the 25 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to geochemistry call most for Speaking, Reading Comprehension and Writing, and for knowledge of English Language, Mathematics and Education and Training, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Oral Expression, Written Comprehension and Written Expression.
Top skills, rated 0–5:
Top knowledge areas, rated 0–5:
How long a geochemistry degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 9 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 5 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 11 |
Master’s degree is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to geochemistry, at 29.9%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Master’s degree | 29.9% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 25.2% |
| Doctoral degree | 16.4% |
| Post-doctoral training | 14.4% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 3.2% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 3.1% |
| Some college courses | 2.6% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 2.3% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 1.9% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 1.0% |
Source: O*NET Online.
6 occupations are related to Geochemistry, with an average median salary of $103,947; the strongest outlook belongs to Clinical Research Coordinators, at 10.4% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Instructor, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor and College Faculty Member.
The occupation related to geochemistry with the most projected jobs is Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, at 615,002.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary | 615,002 | 10.3% |
| Clinical Research Coordinators | 542,888 | 10.4% |
| Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary | 398,348 | 7.1% |
| Natural Sciences Managers | 179,495 | 8.7% |
| Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers | 150,428 | 4.5% |
| Water Resource Specialists | 78,994 | -0.4% |
Geochemistry graduates earn a median $43,327 one year after completing their program, $65,518 after four years and $63,299 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $43,327 |
| 4 years | $65,518 |
| 5 years | $63,299 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to geochemistry is Water Resource Specialists, with a median salary of $179,716.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Water Resource Specialists | $179,716 |
| Natural Sciences Managers | $132,227 |
| Clinical Research Coordinators | $110,931 |
| Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary | $72,801 |
| Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary | $69,509 |
| Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers | $58,500 |
Geochemistry has 6 similar majors in the Physical Sciences field, which together award 7,688 degrees a year; the largest are Geology/Earth Science, General (5,781), Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences, Other (960) and Oceanography, Chemical and Physical (543). Browse all Physical Sciences majors or the full list of college majors.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Geology/Earth Science, General | 5,781 |
| Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences, Other | 960 |
| Oceanography, Chemical and Physical | 543 |
| Hydrology and Water Resources Science | 210 |
| Geophysics and Seismology | 173 |
| Paleontology | 21 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.