Chemical Engineer Salary in 2026
How Much Do Chemical Engineers Make?
Chemical Engineers earn a median annual salary of $121,860 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $78,520 at the 10th percentile to $182,150 at the 90th percentile — a range of $103,630. The highest-paying state is Oklahoma at $160,990.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $78,520 |
| 25th percentile | $96,040 |
| Median (50th) | $121,860 |
| 75th percentile | $152,290 |
| 90th percentile | $182,150 |
Chemical Engineer Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Oklahomatop | $160,990 |
| New Mexico | $147,290 |
| West Virginia | $139,730 |
| Texas | $135,160 |
| Virginia | $132,550 |
| New York | $132,480 |
| Colorado | $131,740 |
| Delaware | $131,330 |
| Louisiana | $131,180 |
| Washington | $130,830 |
| Maryland | $129,710 |
| North Dakota | $127,970 |
| Arizona | $125,050 |
| Illinois | $120,360 |
| Massachusetts | $119,260 |
| New Jersey | $118,340 |
| Oregon | $115,800 |
| Indiana | $115,570 |
| Ohio | $115,190 |
| Minnesota | $114,060 |
| Kentucky | $112,390 |
| Tennessee | $110,150 |
| North Carolina | $109,940 |
| Kansas | $107,200 |
| Pennsylvania | $107,040 |
| Idaho | $106,980 |
| Michigan | $106,690 |
| Alaska | $106,360 |
| Nebraska | $105,560 |
| South Carolina | $104,660 |
| Florida | $104,000 |
| Alabama | $103,620 |
| Mississippi | $102,470 |
| Georgia | $102,360 |
| Iowa | $101,080 |
| Missouri | $101,010 |
| Montana | $100,900 |
| Connecticut | $99,990 |
| Arkansas | $99,020 |
| Wisconsin | $92,530 |
| Rhode Island | $91,770 |
| Utah | $80,820 |
| Nevada | $78,220 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Chemical Engineers
Chemical Engineer Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$78,520 – $96,040 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$121,860 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$152,290 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $182,150+ |
How to Earn More as a Chemical Engineer
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Chemical Engineers in Oklahoma earn $160,990 — $39,130 above the national median. An advanced credential — such as a graduate degree or specialized certification — is consistently associated with higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($152,290) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Chemical Engineer Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Chemical Engineerthis career | $121,860 |
| Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Manager | $167,740 |
| Industrial Engineer | $101,140 |
| Manufacturing Engineer | $101,140 |
| Materials Engineer | $108,310 |
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SOC: 17-2041.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.