Chemical Engineer Salary in 2026
The median annual salary for a Chemical Engineer is $121,860 per year. Job growth is projected at 2.6% over the next decade.
How Much Do Chemical Engineers Make?
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $121,860 |
| 10-Year Job Growth | 2.6% |
| Total Employment | 20,330 |
| Typical Education | Bachelor's degree |
| SOC Code | 17-2041 |
What Do Top Companies Pay Chemical Engineers?
Base salaries from employer disclosure filings — excludes equity and bonuses.
| Company | Median H1B Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|
| Eli Lilly and Company | $175,975 | 4 |
Which Skills Increase Chemical Engineer Pay?
Chemical Engineers with these high-demand tools and technologies typically command higher salaries.
Autodesk AutoCADMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft PowerPointCC++Dassault Systemes SolidWorksMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft ProjectMicrosoft Visio
Full skills breakdown →
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the average salary for a Chemical Engineer?
- The median annual salary for a Chemical Engineer is $121,860 per year, based on the most recent national wage survey data.
- Is Chemical Engineer a growing career?
- Employment for Chemical Engineer roles is projected to grow 2.6% over the 2024–2034 decade. Total employment is currently 20,330 workers nationally.
- What skills increase Chemical Engineer pay?
- Chemical Engineers who demonstrate skills like Autodesk AutoCAD, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft PowerPoint typically command higher salaries. Certifications and advanced tools expertise can further boost compensation.
Salary and employment figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES May 2024) and Employment Projections 2024–2034. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.