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
$125,040
$10,420/mo
Entry Level
$87,500
starting pay
Senior Level
$178,800
experienced
Job Growth
+8%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Chemical Engineers (SOC 17-2041) at a national median of $125,040 per year (mean $129,980), or $60.12 per hour, with 21,070 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
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)
21K
5-Year Growth
+15%
Category
Engineering
Hourly Rate
$60.12/hr
Monthly Pay
$10,420
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
$148,000
$12,333/month · $5,692/biweekly · $71.15/hr
Chemical Engineer Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Chemical Engineer field.
Entry-level Chemical Engineers earn around $87,500, while the top 10% earn $193,200 or more.
Top Paying States for Chemical Engineers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $148,000 | +$22,960 |
| New Jersey | $138,000 | +$12,960 |
| Pennsylvania | $125,000 | $-40 |
| Texas | $123,000 | $-2,040 |
| Louisiana | $115,000 | $-10,040 |
Top Paying Cities for Chemical Engineers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $140,000 | +$14,960 |
| Newark | $135,000 | +$9,960 |
| Philadelphia | $128,000 | +$2,960 |
| Houston | $124,000 | $-1,040 |
| Baton Rouge | $115,000 | $-10,040 |
City figures are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier; BLS does not publish a metro-level series for this title.
Chemical Engineer Salary by City
Published city-level wage and take-home pay guides for Chemical Engineer.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Chemical Engineer Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Chemical Engineer from entry level to expert.
$87,500
0-2 years
$133,000
3-7 years
$178,800
8-14 years
$207,600
15+ years
Related Engineering Jobs
Chemical Engineer Salary FAQ
How much does a Chemical Engineer make in 2026?
The median salary for a Chemical Engineer in the United States is $125,040 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Chemical Engineers (SOC 17-2041); the mean is $129,980. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $87,500, senior professionals around $178,800, and top earners at $207,600 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Chemical Engineer?
A Chemical Engineer typically requires a Bachelor's Degree with 2-4 years of experience. Key skills include Process Design, ASPEN, Chemical Processes. Relevant certifications such as PE License or FE Exam can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Chemical Engineers?
The job market for Chemical Engineers is projected to grow by 8% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 21K Chemical Engineer positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 15%, reflecting steady demand for this role.
Which states pay Chemical Engineers the most?
The highest-paying states for Chemical Engineers include Texas, Louisiana, California. In Texas, the median salary is approximately $123,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Chemical Engineer salary?
To increase your Chemical Engineer salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Process Design and ASPEN. Pursue certifications such as PE License. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like Houston. With 2-4 years of experience, you can progress from $87,500 to $178,800 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Chemical Engineer Salary
How we calculate Chemical Engineer salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Chemical Engineers (SOC 17-2041), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $125,040, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Chemical Engineers; BLS mean $129,980; BLS hourly median $60.12.
- Entry-level ($87,500) and senior-level ($178,800) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +8% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 21,070 Chemical Engineers jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 15% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Engineering sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Bachelor's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $125,040; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Chemical Engineer compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Chemical Engineer job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for Engineering
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Chemical Engineer salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Process Design, ASPEN, Chemical Processes), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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