Chemical Engineer Salary in the United States
Based on 18K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$115,633
$55.59/hr
▲ 1.3% vs 2024Salary Range
$78K – $169K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
18K
workers nationwide
The median Chemical Engineer salary in the United States is $115,633 per year, or $56 per hour. This figure represents the midpoint of earnings, with half of chemical engineers earning more and half earning less. The typical salary range for this profession falls between $78,149 and $168,750 annually.
Several factors influence the Chemical Engineer salary in the United States. Experience level, specific industry, geographic location, and the size and type of employer all play a significant role. For instance, specialized skills or working in high-demand sectors can lead to higher compensation within the broad salary spectrum.
Salary Distribution — Chemical Engineer
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $78,149 |
| 25th percentile | $93,101 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $115,633 |
| 75th percentile | $141,996 |
| 90th percentile | $168,750 |
Chemical Engineer Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Chemical Engineer
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Mexico | $158,190 | +36.8% | 160 |
| 2 | Virginia | $136,380 | +17.9% | 790 |
| 3 | Alabama | $135,030 | +16.8% | 600 |
| 4 | Louisiana | $134,800 | +16.6% | 730 |
| 5 | Delaware | $133,670 | +15.6% | 370 |
| 6 | Texas | $132,750 | +14.8% | 3K |
| 7 | West Virginia | $129,210 | +11.7% | 160 |
| 8 | New York | $129,060 | +11.6% | 540 |
| 9 | Washington | $128,290 | +10.9% | 650 |
| 10 | Oklahoma | $127,790 | +10.5% | 110 |
Chemical Engineer Salary by Industry
How much Chemical Engineers earn across industries nationwide — Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) pays the most ($137,180 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $137,180 | +18.6% | 1K |
| 2 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $135,720 | +17.4% | 1K |
| 3 | Construction | $131,190 | +13.5% | 400 |
| 4 | Administrative and Support Services | $130,810 | +13.1% | 650 |
| 5 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $125,990 | +9.0% | 90 |
| 6 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $125,200 | +8.3% | 5K |
| 7 | Manufacturing | $122,740 | +6.1% | 11K |
| 8 | Wholesale Trade | $114,560 | -0.9% | 570 |
| 9 | Utilities | $108,650 | -6.0% | 190 |
| 10 | Educational Services | $67,810 | -41.4% | 610 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Top H-1B Employers for Chemical Engineer
Companies that filed the most H-1B applications for Chemical Engineer roles, with their median base salary.
| # | Company | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Massachusetts Institute Of Technology | $72,500 | 8 |
| 2 | Tesla | $157,500 | 8 |
| 3 | Battelle Memorial Institute | $98,056 | 6 |
| 4 | Amgen | $139,699 | 6 |
| 5 | Ut-Battelle (Oak Ridge National Laboratory) | $87,261 | 5 |
| 6 | Apple | $151,070 | 5 |
| 7 | Applied Materials | $148,154 | 5 |
| 8 | Eli Lilly And | $141,000 | 5 |
Historical Salary Trend — Chemical Engineer
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $104,335 |
| 2023 | $110,377 |
| 2024 | $114,171 |
| 2025 | $115,633 |
| 2026 (projected) | $117,114 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Chemical Engineer Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $93,101 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $115,633 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $141,996 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $168,750 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Chemical Engineer in the US?
- The typical salary range for a Chemical Engineer in the United States is between $78,149 and $168,750 annually. This indicates that while many engineers earn close to the median of $115,633, there is a significant variation based on various factors.
How much does a Chemical Engineer make on average?
- The median annual salary for a Chemical Engineer in the US is $115,633. This means half of all chemical engineers earn more than this amount, and half earn less, providing a solid benchmark for the profession.
Which state pays Chemical Engineers the most?
- New Mexico is currently the top-paying state for Chemical Engineers, with a median salary of $158,190. This is considerably higher than the national median, suggesting strong demand or a unique economic landscape for the role in that state.
Is the demand for Chemical Engineers high?
- Yes, the field is substantial, with 17,580 Chemical Engineers employed across the United States. While this doesn't directly translate to immediate salary increases for everyone, a healthy number of employed professionals suggests a stable industry.