SalariesChemical engineers

Chemical engineers Salary in the United States

Median pay, percentile range, and top US metros — official BLS data.

The median salary for Chemical engineers in the United States is $125,040 per year — about $60 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Half of all workers in this occupation earn between $97,820 and $157,190 a year.

Median annual salary
$125,040
~$60/hr · ~$10,420/mo
Total US jobs
22K
As fast as average
Education
Bachelor's degree
Growth: +3%

Salary range

10th %ile
$79,420
25th %ile
$97,820
Median
$125,040
75th %ile
$157,190
90th %ile
$182,880

Top US metros for Chemical engineers

MetroLocal salary
Albuquerque, NM$163,380
Pittsburgh, PA$152,290
Lake Charles, LA$136,810
Mobile, AL$137,170
New Orleans-Metairie, LA$136,870
Baton Rouge, LA$134,800
Toledo, OH$132,760
Wichita, KS$128,780
Fort Collins-Loveland, CO$139,220
Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX$129,850

Frequently asked questions

How much do Chemical engineers make in the US?

The median salary is $125,040 per year (about $60 per hour), according to BLS data. The middle 50% of workers earn between $97,820 and $157,190 a year.

How much do Chemical engineers make per hour?

About $60 per hour, based on the median annual salary of $125,040 for full-time work (2,080 hours per year).

What education do you need to work as Chemical engineers?

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Do these salary figures include bonuses or overtime?

No. BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics reflect base wages only — they exclude overtime pay, bonuses, and most benefits.

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Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. (May 2025 OEWS.)