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Chemical engineers

Salary, job outlook, AI risk & career information

Median Salary

$121,860

~$59/hr · ~$10,155/mo

US Jobs

22K

As fast as average

AI & Automation Risk

6/10

Moderate

AI & Automation Risk

Moderate 6/10

Chemical engineering involves a significant amount of digital knowledge work, including process simulation, CAD design, and data analysis, which are highly susceptible to AI-driven optimization. However, the role is anchored by the need for physical presence in laboratories and industrial plants to monitor equipment, ensure safety compliance, and troubleshoot hardware in the real world.

Salary by City — What You Actually Take Home

Real purchasing power = salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher = more money in your pocket.

City	Local Salary	Cost of Living	Real Purchasing Power
Tulsa, OKBEST VALUE	$169,250	Below avg (89.9)	$188,275
Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX	$152,290	Average (99.7)	$152,696
Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX	$133,210	Below avg (90.8)	$146,723
Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD	$151,360	Above avg (103.2)	$146,689
New Orleans-Metairie, LA	$133,070	Below avg (91.2)	$145,920
Columbus, IN	$131,510	Below avg (90.2)	$145,745
Corpus Christi, TX	$132,670	Below avg (91.7)	$144,656
Baton Rouge, LA	$130,350	Below avg (91.2)	$142,876
Toledo, OH	$129,010	Below avg (90.6)	$142,357
Pittsburgh, PA	$133,880	Below avg (94.7)	$141,364
Kennewick-Richland, WA	$139,560	Average (98.9)	$141,134
Omaha, NE-IA	$128,190	Below avg (92.5)	$138,621
Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX	$135,860	Average (98.3)	$138,243
Lincoln, NE	$126,330	Below avg (91.9)	$137,475
Lima, OH	$119,060	Below avg (87.6)	$135,856