Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
Bachelor's degree
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These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
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Chemical engineers work in a field that combines science, mathematics, and technology with problem solving and decision making. Nationally, the occupation has a median annual salary of $121,860 with employment of 22,000 people. Projected employment growth of 2.6% and about 1,000 annual openings point to a steady flow of opportunities over time. This path typically suits people who enjoy critical and analytical thinking, creativity and innovation, and detailed, project-based work. The role also leans on computers and information technology, leadership, and strong writing and reading abilities. Career prospects exist across multiple states and metro areas, with some locations offering higher salaries or stronger overall opportunity scores. For students, career changers, or professionals seeking a technical career grounded in science and math, chemical engineering offers a combination of solid compensation, defined educational expectations, and a consistent outlook for new openings nationwide.
Chemical engineers earn a national median annual salary of $121,860, indicating strong earning potential in this occupation. Salaries vary by location. Among top states, Virginia shows the highest listed median salary at $136,380, followed by New York at $129,060 and Washington at $128,290. Colorado and Massachusetts also offer six-figure median salaries of $125,800 and $118,000, respectively. At the metro level, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria reports a median salary of $132,820, with Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim close behind at $134,210. The New York-Newark-Jersey City metro shows $126,830, while Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue lists $125,200 and Boston-Cambridge-Newton $109,460. These figures suggest that location choices can significantly influence earnings, with several metros and states offering median pay above the national figure, while others align more closely or fall somewhat below the highest-paying areas.
Chemical engineers have national employment of 22,000, with projected employment growth of 2.6%. The occupation is expected to generate about 1,000 annual openings. Together, these indicators show that while the total workforce is relatively specialized, there is a consistent need for new entrants each year. The 2.6% projected growth applies not only at the national level, but also appears in the listed top states and metro areas, suggesting a stable pattern of modest expansion across these regions. For individuals planning their careers, this combination of defined employment size, measurable projected growth, and ongoing annual openings supports the idea of a steady, if not rapidly expanding, job market. Those who build the required education and skill set can reasonably plan on opportunities emerging through both new positions and turnover in existing roles over time.
Location can play an important role in a chemical engineering career. Among the top states by opportunity score, Massachusetts and New York rank the highest, with scores of 65.87 and 65.78, respectively. Massachusetts offers a median salary of $118,000 and employment of 1,460, while New York combines a higher median salary of $129,060 with employment of 540. Colorado, Washington, and Virginia show opportunity scores between about 55 and 57, with median salaries ranging from $125,800 to $136,380 and employment between 650 and 790. At the metro level, New York-Newark-Jersey City stands out with the highest opportunity score of 77.27, a median salary of $126,830, and employment of 510. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria and Boston-Cambridge-Newton also show strong scores above 63, while Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim and Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue offer competitive salaries and solid scores slightly above 61. These differences give job seekers options to prioritize salary, opportunity score, or employment size by region.
The typical education for chemical engineers is a bachelor’s degree. This requirement aligns with the field’s emphasis on advanced technical and analytical abilities. Success in this career draws heavily on science and mathematics, supported by strong critical and analytical thinking. Computers and information technology are also important, reflecting the need to work effectively with modern tools and data. The occupation values problem solving and decision making, creativity and innovation, and being detail oriented, which together support handling complex technical challenges. Project management and leadership skills help chemical engineers coordinate work and guide teams or initiatives. Writing and reading skills round out the profile, enabling clear documentation, communication, and understanding of technical information. For students and career changers, planning education and training around these skills can create a strong foundation for entering and progressing in chemical engineering roles.
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