Chemical Engineer Salary in Louisiana
Based on 730+ workers in Louisiana
Median Annual Salary (LA)
$134,800
$64.81/hr
vs National Average
$115,633
+16.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$76K – $178K
730 employed in Louisiana
Chemical engineers in Louisiana earn a median salary of $134,800 per year, which is 17% above the national average. With approximately 730 chemical engineers employed throughout the state, Louisiana offers competitive compensation in this field. Salaries in this profession typically range from $75,500 to $177,790 annually, reflecting the diversity of experience levels and specializations within the workforce.
The chemical engineer salary in Louisiana varies based on several key factors, including years of experience, educational credentials, and industry sector. Engineers working in petrochemical refineries or oil and gas operations often command higher salaries than those in smaller chemical manufacturing facilities. Geographic location within Louisiana, company size, and specialized certifications also play significant roles in determining individual compensation packages for chemical professionals in the state.
Salary Distribution — Chemical Engineer in Louisiana
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $75,500 |
| 25th percentile | $105,860 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $134,800 |
| 75th percentile | $164,800 |
| 90th percentile | $177,790 |
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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Louisiana) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $131,220 |
| 2023 | $123,420 |
| 2024 | $131,180 |
| 2025 | $134,800 |
| 2026 (projected) | $138,520 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Louisiana Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $131,220 | $104,335 |
| 2023 | $123,420 | $110,377 |
| 2024 | $131,180 | $114,171 |
| 2025 | $134,800 | $115,633 |
| 2026 (projected) | $138,520 | $118,824 |
Chemical Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Louisiana
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $105,860 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $134,800 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $164,800 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $177,790 |
Chemical Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Chemical Engineer Salaries in Louisiana
How other high-demand occupations in Louisiana compare to Chemical Engineer ($134,800 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Chemical Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in LA | $162,850 | +20.8% | $78.29/hr |
| Petroleum Engineer in LA | $139,640 | +3.6% | $67.13/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in LA | $136,970 | +1.6% | $65.85/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in LA | $130,510 | -3.2% | $62.75/hr |
| Materials Engineer in LA | $128,670 | -4.5% | $61.86/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in LA | $123,710 | -8.2% | $59.48/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in LA | $122,920 | -8.8% | $59.10/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in LA | $119,540 | -11.3% | $57.47/hr |
| Civil Engineer in LA | $105,380 | -21.8% | $50.66/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in LA | $84,320 | -37.4% | $40.54/hr |
| Industrial Production Manager in LA | $133,210 | -1.2% | $64.04/hr |
| Pharmacist in LA | $132,410 | -1.8% | $63.66/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do chemical engineers make in Louisiana?
- Chemical engineers in Louisiana earn a median salary of $134,800 per year, or $65 per hour. This is 16.6% higher than the national average for the profession, making Louisiana a competitive market for chemical engineering positions.
What is the salary range for chemical engineers in Louisiana?
- Chemical engineer salaries in Louisiana range from $75,500 at the lower end to $177,790 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, education, employer size, and specialization within the field.
Is Louisiana a good state for chemical engineer salaries?
- Yes, Louisiana offers above-average compensation for chemical engineers, with a median salary that exceeds the national average by 16.6%. With 730 chemical engineers currently employed in the state, there is a solid job market to support career growth and opportunity.
What's the hourly rate for chemical engineers in Louisiana?
- The median hourly rate for chemical engineers in Louisiana is $65 per hour, which translates to the annual median salary of $134,800. This hourly rate positions Louisiana above national norms for chemical engineering compensation.