Chemical Engineer Salary in Illinois
Based on 520+ workers in Illinois
Median Annual Salary (IL)
$121,560
$58.44/hr
vs National Average
$115,633
+5.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$79K – $176K
520 employed in Illinois
Chemical engineers in Illinois earn a median salary of $121,560 per year, which sits approximately 5% above the national average. With around 520 chemical engineers currently employed throughout the state, Illinois represents a solid market for professionals in this field. Salaries in the state typically range from $79,120 to $176,110 annually, reflecting the diversity of experience and specialization within the profession.
Several factors influence chemical engineer salary in Illinois, including years of experience, educational credentials, and the specific industry sector. Geographic location within the state, company size, and whether positions are in manufacturing, petrochemicals, or pharmaceuticals all play roles in determining compensation. Advanced certifications and specialized expertise can push earnings toward the higher end of the salary range, while entry-level positions tend to cluster at the lower end.
Salary Distribution — Chemical Engineer in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $79,120 |
| 25th percentile | $95,800 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $121,560 |
| 75th percentile | $140,010 |
| 90th percentile | $176,110 |
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 Illinois 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 Illinois vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Illinois) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $110,130 |
| 2023 | $107,080 |
| 2024 | $120,360 |
| 2025 | $121,560 |
| 2026 (projected) | $122,772 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Illinois Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $110,130 | $104,335 |
| 2023 | $107,080 | $110,377 |
| 2024 | $120,360 | $114,171 |
| 2025 | $121,560 | $115,633 |
| 2026 (projected) | $122,772 | $116,786 |
Chemical Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $95,800 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $121,560 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $140,010 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $176,110 |
Chemical Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Chemical Engineer Salaries in Illinois
How other high-demand occupations in Illinois compare to Chemical Engineer ($121,560 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Chemical Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in IL | $163,610 | +34.6% | $78.66/hr |
| Nuclear Engineer in IL | $134,510 | +10.7% | $64.67/hr |
| Materials Engineer in IL | $126,620 | +4.2% | $60.88/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in IL | $108,940 | -10.4% | $52.38/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in IL | $107,990 | -11.2% | $51.92/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in IL | $107,860 | -11.3% | $51.86/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in IL | $102,680 | -15.5% | $49.37/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in IL | $100,540 | -17.3% | $48.34/hr |
| Civil Engineer in IL | $99,760 | -17.9% | $47.96/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in IL | $89,520 | -26.4% | $43.04/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in IL | $120,840 | -0.6% | $58.10/hr |
| Personal Financial Advisor in IL | $120,130 | -1.2% | $57.75/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do chemical engineers make in Illinois?
- Chemical engineers in Illinois earn a median salary of $121,560 per year, or $58 per hour. This is 5.1% higher than the national average for chemical engineers.
What is the salary range for chemical engineers in Illinois?
- Chemical engineers in Illinois can expect salaries ranging from $79,120 at the lower end to $176,110 at the upper end, depending on experience and specialization.
How many chemical engineers are employed in Illinois?
- There are currently 520 chemical engineers employed throughout Illinois.
Is Illinois a good state for chemical engineer salaries?
- Yes, Illinois offers competitive salaries for chemical engineers with a median of $121,560 annually, which exceeds the national average by 5.1%, making it an attractive state for this profession.