Midgley received the Nichols Medal from the New York Section of the American Chemical Society for his work on anti-knock compounds in gasoline.

Midgley was awarded the Priestley Medal, the highest honor bestowed by the American Chemical Society, for his distinguished service to chemistry. This award recognized his contributions to both the development of tetraethyllead and Freon refrigerants.

Midgley received the Willard Gibbs Medal from the Chicago Section of the American Chemical Society. This medal recognized his achievements in pure and applied chemistry.

Midgley received honorary doctorates from multiple universities, acknowledging his scientific achievements and contributions to industry.