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Chemical Engineer Salary & Career Insights
What is the average salary for a chemical engineer in the United States?
$112,100 per year
According to BLS.gov, the average salary for a chemical engineer in the United States is $112,100 annually. The lowest salary is $75,650 annually, and the highest is $176,420 annually.
Our salary data comes from BLS.gov. The salaries presented here are the 2023 median pay.
Job Outlook & Work Environment
Job Outlook
🚀 21,400; estimated number of chemical engineer jobs. It is estimated that 2,100 new jobs will be added by 2033.
☀️ The projected job outlook is expected to grow at a rate of 10% which is much faster than the growth of the average career.
Work Environment
💼 Chemists typically work in laboratories and offices conducting experiments and analyzing their results.
🏢 32% of chemical engineers work in chemical manufacturing.
Chemical Engineer Salary in Comparison to Patent Law Salaries
How Does a Chemical Engineer Salary Stack Up?
The average salary for chemical engineers is $112,100. This is significantly lower than that of patent agents, who earn $130,168 annually. The difference between the average patent attorney salary at $185,351 is an even more stark contrast.
It pays for chemical engineers to pass the patent bar exam and transition to a career in patent law.
Top Chemical Engineer Salaries by Industry
| Industry | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Oil and Gas Extraction | $181,010 |
| Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods | $142,650 |
| Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing | $142,600 |
| Computer Equipment Manufacturing | $138,490 |
| Management of Companies | $136,710 |
Salary by Chemical Engineer Industry
In the U.S., the average salary for chemical engineers is $112,100.
Chemical engineers in the Oil and Gas Extraction industry earn the highest average salary at $181,010. Those working in Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods and Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing receive similar average salaries of $142,650 and $142,600, respectively. The Computer Equipment Manufacturing and Management of Companies industries offer slightly lower average salaries, at $138,490 and $136,710.
Experience & Education
Here are some typical daily activities of a chemical engineer:
- Processing Information — Organizing, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying data.
- Analyzing Data or Information — Discovering the core principles, reasons, or facts of data by dividing it into distinct components.
- Getting Information — Gathering, observing, and acquiring information from all pertinent sources.
- Working with Computers — Utilizing computer systems, including both hardware and software, to program, develop software, configure functions, input data, and process information.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Assessing information and results to select the optimal solution and address issues.
Here are the typical skills you need to work as a chemical engineer:
- Science — Applying scientific principles and methodologies to address and resolve issues.
- Complex Problem Solving — Recognizing intricate problems, analyzing related information, and developing and assessing options to implement effective solutions.
- Critical Thinking — Employing logic and reasoning to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different solutions, conclusions, or problem-solving approaches.
- Judgment and Decision Making — Weighing the costs and benefits of potential actions to select the most suitable option.
- Mathematics — Utilizing mathematical techniques to tackle and solve problems.
Knowledge required to work as a chemical engineer:
- Engineering and Technology — Understanding the practical use of engineering science and technology, which includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment for designing and producing various goods and services.
- Chemistry — Comprehension of the chemical makeup, structure, and properties of substances, along with the chemical processes and transformations they undergo. This involves understanding the uses of chemicals, their interactions, warning signs, production methods, and disposal techniques.
- Mathematics — Mastery of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their practical applications.
- Physics — Insight into physical principles and laws, their interrelationships, and their application in understanding the dynamics of fluids, materials, and atmospheres, as well as mechanical, electrical, atomic, and subatomic systems.
Average Education
According to onetonline.org, 82% of chemical engineers have a Bachelor’s degree, 9% have a Master’s degree, and another 9% have a Doctoral degree.
Top Chemical Engineer Salaries by Location
Factors that Impact Pay
In Houston, TX, chemical engineers earn the highest average salary at $167,400. Port Arthur, TX, and Corpus Christi, TX, follow with average salaries of $155,660 and $147,580, respectively. Baton Rouge, LA, and Tulsa, OK, offer slightly lower average salaries of $139,850 and $139,600.
Chemical engineers in Texas earn the highest average salary among the states listed, at $158,980. New Mexico follows with an average salary of $146,420, while Oklahoma offers $139,170. Arizona and Louisiana provide slightly lower average salaries, at $137,000 and $134,340, respectively.
Take a look at the average chemical engineer salaries from top-paying cities according to Bls.gov data.
| City | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Houston, TX | $167,400 |
| Port Arthur, TX | $155,660 |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $147,580 |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $139,850 |
| Tulsa, OK | $139,600 |
Look at the average chemical engineer salaries from top-paying states according to Bls.gov data.
| State | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Texas | $158,980 |
| New Mexico | $146,420 |
| Oklahoma | $139,170 |
| Arizona | $137,000 |
| Louisiana | $134,340 |
Related Careers
Patent Agent
Patent agents practice patent law before the USPTO.
Average of $130,168/year
Patent Attorney
Patent attorneys can practice patent law in addition to practicing law in jurisdictions where they are currently admitted.
Average of $185,351/year
Mechanical Engineers
Mechanical engineers plan and design tools, machines, and other mechanical equipment.
Average of $99,510/year