Chemical Engineer Salary in the United States
Based on 18K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$115,633
$55.593/hr
▲ 1.3% vs 2024Salary Range
$77K – $205K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
18K
workers nationwide
Chemical engineers in the United States earn a median salary of $114,171 per year, reflecting strong compensation for this specialized field. With approximately 18,620 workers employed in this role nationwide, chemical engineers command competitive wages that recognize their technical expertise and critical contributions to industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to energy production.
Salary variations for chemical engineers depend on several interconnected factors, including geographic location, years of experience, educational background, and industry sector. Engineers working in high-cost metropolitan areas or specialized industries such as petrochemicals typically earn toward the higher end of the $91,420 to $223,050 range, while those in smaller markets or early in their careers may earn less.
Salary Distribution — Chemical Engineer
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $76,540 |
| 25th percentile | $110,420 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $115,633 |
| 75th percentile | $189,260 |
| 90th percentile | $205,360 |
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 |
Historical Salary Trend — Chemical Engineer
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $104,335 |
| 2023 | $110,377 |
| 2024 | $114,171 |
| 2025 | $115,633 |
Chemical Engineer Salary by Experience Level
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do chemical engineers make per hour in the United States?
- Chemical engineers earn a median hourly rate of $55/hour in the United States. This translates to an annual median salary of $114,171, though hourly rates can vary based on experience, location, and employer.
What city pays chemical engineers the most in the US?
- Oklahoma offers the highest median salary for chemical engineers at $160,990 per year. This is significantly higher than the national median of $114,171, making it one of the top-paying locations for this profession.
What is the salary range for chemical engineers in America?
- Chemical engineer salaries in the United States range from $91,420 at the lower end to $223,050 at the higher end. This wide range reflects differences in experience level, specialization, and geographic location.
How many chemical engineers are currently employed in the US?
- There are approximately 18,620 chemical engineers currently employed in the United States. This represents a stable workforce in a specialized engineering field.