Chemical Engineer Salary in USA 2025
Industry breakdown and master's degree ROI
AIChE Survey Median (Experienced)
How Much Do Chemical Engineers Earn in 2025?
Chemical engineers apply chemistry, physics, and engineering principles to design processes for producing, transforming, and transporting materials including chemicals, fuels, pharmaceuticals, and consumer products. It's one of the highest-paid engineering disciplines.
2025 chemical engineer salaries are among the highest in engineering: AIChE survey reports median $160,000 for experienced professionals, with average $82,224–$94,000 for earlier career stages. Top cities like Wilmington, DE pay $132,951.
The master's degree premium is significant—chemical engineers with master's degrees earn considerably more than bachelor's-level engineers, with expanded career opportunities in R&D, process optimization, and management. Industry dramatically impacts pay: pharmaceuticals, oil & gas, and specialty chemicals pay premiums. Chemical engineers easily reach $100K+ with experience. For context, see the average salary in the US.
Chemical Engineer Salary Overview and National Data
Chemical engineering salary data shows substantial variation by source and career stage:
| Data Source | Salary Figure | Population Measured |
|---|---|---|
| AIChE Survey 2025 | $160,000 median | Experienced chemical engineers (member survey) |
| BLS 2020 | $108,540 average | All chemical engineers nationally |
| Indeed | $82,224 average | Entry to mid-career focus |
| Indeed Potential | $94,000 | Higher end with experience |
2025 AIChE Salary Survey
Median salary: $160,000 (up 6.67% from $150,000 in 2023)
AIChE survey reflects experienced professionals. Entry-level salaries are significantly lower.
Key Insights
Wide salary range reflects experience, education, industry, and location. Median for experienced professionals ($160K) is significantly higher than average across all career stages ($82K–$108K). Chemical engineering remains one of the highest-paid engineering disciplines.
Chemical Engineer Salary by Location
Geographic location dramatically impacts chemical engineer compensation:
| City | Average Salary | Premium vs National | Key Industries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wilmington, DE | $132,951 | +62% | Pharma, specialty chemicals |
| Portland, OR | $105,493 | +28% | Tech mfg, semiconductors |
| Boston, MA | $85,336 | +4% | Biotech, pharma, research |
| Charleston, WV | $83,919 | +2% | Chemical manufacturing |
| Houston, TX | $83,519 | +2% | Oil & gas, petrochemicals |
Wilmington, DE (Highest-Paying)
Average: $132,951 (+62% versus national average)
Why high: DuPont headquarters, pharmaceutical hub (AstraZeneca), specialty chemicals
Moderate cost of living makes effective value exceptional.
Portland, OR
Average: $105,493 (+28% versus national)
Why high: Tech manufacturing, specialty chemicals, semiconductor industry
Houston, TX
Average: $83,519 (+2% versus national)
Why attractive: Oil & gas capital, petrochemical hub, largest concentration of chemical engineers. Excellent purchasing power due to no state income tax and moderate cost of living.
Why Such Variation
Industry concentration: Cities with major chemical/pharma companies pay premiums
Competition for talent: Areas with multiple employers drive up salaries
Purchasing power: Houston at $83K may offer better quality of life than higher-paying coastal cities with much higher cost of living
Bachelor's vs. Master's Degree Salary Comparison
Advanced degree premium is significant in chemical engineering:
| Education Level | Entry-Level | Mid-Career (10 yrs) | Experienced (20 yrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's | $65K–$75K | $90K–$110K | $120K–$150K |
| Master's | $75K–$90K | $110K–$140K | $150K–$200K |
| PhD | $85K–$105K | $120K–$160K | $180K–$250K+ |
| Master's Premium | +15–20% | +22–27% | +25–33% |
Bachelor's Degree
Entry-level: $65,000–$75,000 | Average: $82,224
Career ceiling: Process engineer, plant engineer, production manager roles
Traditional plant/operations career track.
Master's Degree
Entry-level: $75,000–$90,000 (+15–20% premium immediately)
Mid-career: $110,000–$140,000 | Experienced: $140,000–$180,000+
Career ceiling: Senior R&D engineer, technical manager, process development director
Expanded opportunities: Research and development, advanced process design, technical consulting, management.
PhD
Industry R&D: $100,000–$130,000 | Senior/principal scientist: $150,000–$200,000+
Career paths: Research leadership, university professor, principal scientist, technical fellow
Master's Degree ROI Analysis
Cost: $40,000–$80,000 (2 years tuition)
Time investment: 1.5–2 years
Career earnings increase: $400,000–$800,000 over career (conservative)
Break-even: Typically 3–5 years after graduation
ROI: Strong positive, especially for R&D and technical management career paths
When Master's Makes Sense
Interested in R&D, process development, or specialized technical roles. Targeting pharmaceutical, biotech, or specialty chemicals industries. Planning management career requiring deep technical expertise. Employer offers tuition assistance/reimbursement.
When Bachelor's Is Sufficient
Planning operations or plant engineering career. Targeting traditional process industries. Prefer hands-on plant experience to additional academics.
Chemical Engineer Salary by Industry
Industry is one of the biggest factors in chemical engineer compensation:
| Industry | Typical Salary Range | Growth Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals/Biotech | $95,000–$160,000 | Excellent |
| Oil & Gas/Petrochemicals | $90,000–$150,000 | Moderate |
| Specialty Chemicals | $85,000–$140,000 | Good |
| Semiconductors/Electronics | $85,000–$135,000 | Excellent |
| Environmental/Sustainability | $75,000–$120,000 | Growing |
| Commodity Chemicals | $75,000–$115,000 | Stable |
| Consumer Products | $70,000–$110,000 | Stable |
| Food & Beverage | $65,000–$100,000 | Stable |
Pharmaceuticals/Biotechnology (Highest-Paying)
Typical range: $95,000–$160,000
Why highest: R&D intensive, regulatory complexity, high product value
Major employers: Pfizer, Merck, J&J, Amgen, Genentech
Roles: Process development, scale-up, regulatory compliance, quality
Oil & Gas / Petrochemicals
Typical range: $90,000–$150,000
Why high: Large-scale operations, safety-critical, technical complexity
Major hubs: Houston, Gulf Coast, Alaska
Specialty Chemicals
Typical range: $85,000–$140,000
Why strong: High-value products, innovation-focused
Examples: Advanced materials, coatings, adhesives, catalysts
Environmental/Sustainability
Typical range: $75,000–$120,000
Growth sector: Carbon capture, renewable fuels, green chemistry
Rapidly growing with excellent future prospects.
What Chemical Engineers Do: Role and Responsibilities
Core Responsibilities
Process design, equipment specification, safety analysis, scale-up from lab to production, process optimization, troubleshooting, and regulatory compliance.
Typical Work
Mass and energy balances, reaction kinetics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, separation processes, and process control.
Work Environments
Chemical plants, refineries, pharmaceutical facilities, research labs, and engineering offices.
Job Outlook and Career Growth
Solid Outlook
BLS projects 9% growth by 2030, about as fast as average. AIChE survey shows 6.67% salary increase from 2023 to 2025. Growth drivers include pharmaceuticals, green chemistry, renewable energy, and advanced materials.
Career Progression
Management track: Chemical Engineer → Senior Chemical Engineer → Process/Technical Manager → Director of Engineering → VP Engineering
Technical track: Chemical Engineer → Senior R&D Engineer → Principal Scientist → Research Director
How to Increase Your Chemical Engineer Salary
Earn Master's Degree
Adds 15–33% salary premium across your career—significant ROI.
Target High-Paying Industries
Pharma/biotech ($95K–$160K) pays 40–60% more than food processing.
Relocate to Top-Paying Cities
Wilmington, DE pays $132,951 versus national average $82,224 (+62%).
Specialize in High-Demand Areas
Process development, R&D, and scale-up command premiums.
Gain Experience
Median grows from $82K early career to $160K experienced.
Pursue PE License (Optional)
Valuable for consulting and plant engineering roles.
Develop Cross-Functional Skills
Project management, data analytics, and programming add value.
Target Management Track
Technical managers earn $140K–$200K+.
See our salary negotiation guide for strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average chemical engineer salary in 2025?
Chemical engineer salaries vary widely by career stage. AIChE reports median $160,000 for experienced professionals. Indeed reports average $82,224 for entry to mid-career. BLS shows national average of $108,540. The range reflects experience, education, industry, and location.
Do chemical engineers with master's degrees earn more?
Yes, significantly. Master's degree adds 15–33% salary premium: entry-level $75K–$90K (vs $65K–$75K bachelor's), mid-career $110K–$140K (vs $90K–$110K), experienced $150K–$200K (vs $120K–$150K). Master's also opens R&D and management career paths.
Which cities pay chemical engineers the most?
Wilmington, DE pays highest at $132,951 (+62% above national average) due to pharma and specialty chemicals concentration. Portland, OR pays $105,493 (+28%). Houston, TX pays $83,519 but offers excellent purchasing power with no state income tax.
What industries pay chemical engineers the best?
Pharmaceuticals/Biotech ($95,000–$160,000) pays highest due to R&D intensity and high product value. Oil & Gas/Petrochemicals ($90,000–$150,000) and Specialty Chemicals ($85,000–$140,000) follow. Food & Beverage ($65,000–$100,000) pays lowest.
Is chemical engineering a good career in 2025?
Yes, excellent. Among the highest-paid engineering disciplines with median $160K for experienced professionals. Strong growth in pharma, green chemistry, and renewable energy. Clear career progression and diverse industry options. Master's degree ROI is particularly strong.