17-2041

Chemical Engineers

Role Overview

Design chemical plant equipment and devise processes for manufacturing chemicals and products, such as gasoline, synthetic rubber, plastics, detergents, cement, paper, and pulp, by applying principles and technology of chemistry, physics, and engineering.

Recommended Majors

Ceramic Sciences and Engineering. Chemical Engineering. Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. Chemical Engineering, Other. Polymer/Plastics Engineering. Paper Science and Engineering. Biochemical Engineering. Engineering Chemistry.

Related Careers

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians Aerospace Engineers Aerospace Engineers Agricultural Engineers Agricultural Engineers Architects, Except Landscape and Naval

Salary by State (top paying)

State	Median salary
Oklahoma	$160,990
New Mexico	$147,290
West Virginia	$139,730
Texas	$135,160
Virginia	$132,550
New York	$132,480
Colorado	$131,740
Delaware	$131,330
Louisiana	$131,180
Washington	$130,830
Maryland	$129,710
North Dakota	$127,970
Arizona	$125,050
Illinois	$120,360
Massachusetts	$119,260

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the job outlook for this career?

Projected growth and annual openings are from BLS Employment Projections. Use the sidebar for median salary and growth rate.

How does salary vary by state?

See the Salary by State table above for state-level median wages from OEWS data.

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), BLS Employment Projections.

Median Annual Salary

$121,860

Projected Growth (10yr)

+2.6%

Avg. annual openings

1.1k

Market Insight

Explore salary and growth data to understand demand and earning potential for this role.