Chemical Engineer Salary in Alabama
Based on 600+ workers in Alabama
Median Annual Salary (AL)
$135,030
$64.92/hr
vs National Average
$115,633
+16.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$78K – $165K
600 employed in Alabama
Chemical engineers in Alabama earn a median salary of $103,620 per year, which is approximately 9% below the national average for this profession. With roughly 540 chemical engineers employed throughout the state, Alabama offers a moderate job market in this field. Salaries in the state range from $72,750 to $191,400 annually, reflecting variations based on experience and specialization.
Several factors influence chemical engineer salary in Alabama, including years of experience, educational credentials, and industry sector. Engineers working in specialized manufacturing or petrochemical facilities typically command higher compensation than those in smaller operations. Geographic location within Alabama, company size, and additional certifications also play significant roles in determining individual earning potential within the state's chemical engineering workforce.
Salary Distribution — Chemical Engineer in Alabama
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $77,750 |
| 25th percentile | $96,820 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $135,030 |
| 75th percentile | $141,840 |
| 90th percentile | $164,700 |
Top-Paying Industries for Chemical Engineer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Chemical Engineers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Chemical Engineers in Alabama tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $137,180 | 1K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $135,720 | 1K |
| Construction | $131,190 | 400 |
| Administrative and Support Services | $130,810 | 650 |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $125,990 | 90 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Chemical Engineer in Alabama vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Alabama) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $114,050 |
| 2023 | $101,120 |
| 2024 | $103,620 |
| 2025 | $135,030 |
| 2026 (projected) | $143,132 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Alabama Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $114,050 | $104,335 |
| 2023 | $101,120 | $110,377 |
| 2024 | $103,620 | $114,171 |
| 2025 | $135,030 | $115,633 |
| 2026 (projected) | $143,132 | $122,571 |
Chemical Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Alabama
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $96,820 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $135,030 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $141,840 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $164,700 |
Chemical Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Chemical Engineer Salaries in Alabama
How other high-demand occupations in Alabama compare to Chemical Engineer ($135,030 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Chemical Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in AL | $162,350 | +20.2% | $78.05/hr |
| Nuclear Engineer in AL | $132,570 | -1.8% | $63.74/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in AL | $127,540 | -5.5% | $61.32/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in AL | $125,630 | -7.0% | $60.40/hr |
| Materials Engineer in AL | $107,580 | -20.3% | $51.72/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in AL | $102,650 | -24.0% | $49.35/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in AL | $100,230 | -25.8% | $48.19/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in AL | $99,880 | -26.0% | $48.02/hr |
| Civil Engineer in AL | $99,010 | -26.7% | $47.60/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in AL | $85,720 | -36.5% | $41.21/hr |
| Pharmacist in AL | $134,630 | -0.3% | $64.73/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in AL | $134,550 | -0.4% | $64.69/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do chemical engineers make in Alabama?
- Chemical engineers in Alabama earn a median salary of $103,620 per year, or about $50 per hour. This is 9.2% below the national average for the profession.
What is the salary range for chemical engineers in Alabama?
- Chemical engineer salaries in Alabama range from $72,750 at the lower end to $191,400 at the upper end, depending on experience and employer.
Is chemical engineering a good paying job in Alabama?
- Yes, chemical engineering is well-compensated in Alabama with a median salary of $103,620 annually. However, it pays slightly less than the national average, making it competitive but not the highest-paying state for this profession.
How many chemical engineers work in Alabama?
- There are approximately 540 chemical engineers currently employed in Alabama, representing the total workforce in this field within the state.