Chemical Engineer Salary.
Across 83 U.S. cities.
$98,000
national median salary
$76,000 to $128,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$138,000
San Jose, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$102,000
Baltimore, MD
Lowest Paying
$74,000
Jackson, MS
Salary data sourced from SEC filings, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and aggregated job postings across 50+ platforms. Ranges reflect 25th to 75th percentile for full-time positions. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated April 2026.
The average Chemical Engineer salary in the United States is $98,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $76,000 at the 25th percentile to $128,000 at the 75th. San Jose pays the most at $138,000, while Baltimore offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Industry sector is the top differentiator, with petroleum, semiconductor, and pharmaceutical chemical engineers earning 20 to 35% more than those in food processing or water treatment.
Chemical Engineer salary by city
Skills that increase Chemical Engineer pay
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for Chemical Engineers based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $13,720 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$13,720 per year
≈ +$12,740 per year
≈ +$11,760 per year
≈ +$10,780 per year
≈ +$10,780 per year
≈ +$9,800 per year
≈ +$9,800 per year
≈ +$8,820 per year
What you should know
Industry sector is the top differentiator, with petroleum, semiconductor, and pharmaceutical chemical engineers earning 20 to 35% more than those in food processing or water treatment. Process scale-up experience, Six Sigma certification, and expertise with hazardous materials handling drive additional premiums.
Entry-level chemical engineers start at $76,000 to $88,000. Senior process engineers earn $100,000 to $128,000 after five to eight years. Engineering directors and plant managers reach $140,000 to $185,000 in high-demand industries.
Oil and gas employers add 10 to 20% bonuses tied to production targets. Semiconductor fabs offer equity grants worth $10,000 to $40,000 annually. Shift differentials of 5 to 15% apply for engineers managing 24/7 production facilities.