Chemical Engineer Salary in 2026
Chemical engineers apply chemistry, physics, and math to solve problems involving the production of chemicals, fuels, drugs, and other products. They design and optimize manufacturing processes.
Median Salary
$100,000
$8,333/mo
Entry Level
$70,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$143,000
experienced
Job Growth
+8%
10-yr outlook
Chemical Engineer Overview
Chemical engineers apply chemistry, physics, and math to solve problems involving the production of chemicals, fuels, drugs, and other products. They design and optimize manufacturing processes.
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
2-4 years
Industry
Engineering
Total Jobs (US)
33K
5-Year Growth
+15%
Category
Engineering
Hourly Rate
$48.08/hr
Monthly Pay
$8,333
Chemical Engineer Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Chemical Engineer salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Chemical Engineer Salary
$118,000
$9,833/month · $4,538/biweekly · $56.73/hr
Chemical Engineer Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Chemical Engineer field.
Entry-level Chemical Engineers earn around $70,000, while the top 10% earn $154,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Chemical Engineers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $118,000 | +$18,000 |
| New Jersey | $110,000 | +$10,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $100,000 | $0 |
| Texas | $98,000 | $-2,000 |
| Louisiana | $92,000 | $-8,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Chemical Engineers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $112,000 | +$12,000 |
| Newark | $108,000 | +$8,000 |
| Philadelphia | $102,000 | +$2,000 |
| Houston | $99,000 | $-1,000 |
| Baton Rouge | $92,000 | $-8,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Chemical Engineer Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Chemical Engineer from entry level to expert.
$70,000
0-2 years
$107,000
3-7 years
$143,000
8-14 years
$166,000
15+ years
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Chemical Engineer Salary FAQ
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