How much does a Chemical Engineer make?

The average salary for a Chemical Engineer is $99,441 per year in United States. Salaries estimates are based on 2906 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by a Chemical Engineer employees in United States.

The highest salary for a Chemical Engineer in United States is $125,629 per year.

The lowest salary for a Chemical Engineer in United States is $79,213 per year.

If you are thinking of becoming a Chemical Engineer or planning the next step in your career, find details about the role, the career path and salary trajectory of a Chemical Engineer.

Chemical engineering salaries are high, reflecting the field’s significant barriers to entry. A bachelor’s in engineering degree is considered a minimum qualification, although many firms strongly prefer candidates with internship experience. Once hired, chemical engineers typically work full time and are paid a salary with full benefits. Candidates with a master's degree are typically paid higher than candidates with only a bachelor’s degree. Successful chemical engineers can earn a Professional Engineering (PE) license that indicates they are ready for more leadership responsibility, or they may choose to transition into a project manager role.

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Around 77% of chemical engineers are satisfied with their salary, as reported by anonymous Glassdoor reviews. It's a rewarding and demanding career with the opportunity to earn up to $11,077.69 on top of your base salary.

The salary in a chemical engineer career path ranges from $64,596.82 to $154,496.86 with an average of $88,363.38. After graduating with your bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, you'll be able to apply for entry-level positions. As your experience grows, you can earn more money and be more eligible for senior roles.

To find an entry-level position, you'll need at least a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering with an internship for practical skill development. To appeal to companies who want to hire you, opt for educational institutions that are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). To increase your earning potential, you could study for a master's degree, which also opens up opportunities for advanced responsibilities like teaching or management. After around four years of experience in an entry-level position, you can apply for your professional engineer (PE) license which could enable you to open your own private practice or gain a supervisory role with a higher salary.

Negotiating your salary for a chemical engineer job can feel daunting, especially if this is your first position after graduating. Many employers expect you to negotiate so it's vital to do your research and have at least received an offer before you try to ask for more. Check to see what chemical engineers in your area earn on average so that you get paid what you're worth. Factor in the cost of living, plus any additional benefits that would help you do your job well. Many companies like refineries and industrial plants offer a sign-on bonus to new chemical engineers, so make sure to ask for one in your negotiation.