Chemical Engineer: Career Overview
Official government data · Updated April 2026
Chemical Engineers earn a national median of $121,860/yr with 2.6% projected employment growth over 2024–2034. The role draws on expertise in Engineering and Technology, Chemistry, Mathematics.
Median Salary
$121,860
National · 2024
10-Year Growth
2.6%
Slower than average
Employed Nationally
20,330
2024 data
Typical Education
Bachelor's degree
Entry-level
What Employers Expect From a Chemical Engineer
These are the competencies recruiters screen for in Chemical Engineer candidates, ranked by importance. Your resume should demonstrate each one:
Knowledge Areas
Core knowledge domains most important for Chemical Engineer performance, based on verified occupational data.
Tools & Technologies
High-demand tools and technologies for Chemical Engineer roles.
Job Outlook: 2024–2034
Employment is projected to grow 2.6% for Chemical Engineer roles over the 2024–2034 decade. That's slower than average compared to the 4% average across all occupations.
- Current Employment
- 20,330
- Projected Growth
- 2.6%
- Typical Education
- Bachelor's degree
Top Employers
Companies actively hiring for Chemical Engineer roles, ranked by disclosure volume. Salaries reflect base pay from employer disclosure records.
| Company | Median Disclosed Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|
| Eli Lilly and Company | $175,975 | 4 |
Base salary only — excludes equity and bonuses.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does a Chemical Engineer do?
- Chemical Engineers apply expertise in Engineering and Technology, Chemistry, Mathematics to perform their core responsibilities. Key competencies include Science, Critical Thinking, Reading Comprehension, Complex Problem Solving.
- How much does a Chemical Engineer make?
- The national median salary for a Chemical Engineer is $121,860 per year based on official government wage survey data. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.
- Is Chemical Engineer a good career in 2026?
- Employment for Chemical Engineer roles is projected to grow 2.6% over the 2024–2034 decade — slower than average compared to all occupations. There are currently 20,330 workers in this occupation nationally.
- What education do you need to become a Chemical Engineer?
- The typical entry-level education for a Chemical Engineer is Bachelor's degree. Requirements vary by employer and specialization.
- What skills do Chemical Engineers need?
- The most important skills for Chemical Engineer roles based on verified occupational data: Science, Critical Thinking, Reading Comprehension, Complex Problem Solving, Active Learning, Judgment and Decision Making, Systems Analysis, Systems Evaluation, Mathematics, Operations Analysis. Key tools and technologies include: Autodesk AutoCAD, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft PowerPoint, C.
Does Your Resume Cover These Skills?
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Salary, employment, and skills figures sourced from official U.S. government records and occupational databases. Actual compensation and requirements vary by location, experience, and employer. Salary and employment figures from official U.S. government records. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.