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For Educators: Military Resources

Chemical Engineers

Median Salary
112,100
Job Outlook
+10%
In-Demand

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Design chemical plant equipment and devise processes for manufacturing chemicals and products, such as gasoline, synthetic rubber, plastics, detergents, cement, paper, and pulp, by applying principles and technology of chemistry, physics, and engineering.

What sectors do they work in?

Private for profit

94%

Self-employed

2%

Private not for profit

2%

Federal Government

1%

State and local government

1%

What is the job outlook?

Employment of chemical engineers is projected to grow 10 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 1,400 openings for chemical engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$75,500

10%

$112,100

Median

$153,350

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Bachelor's degree

    81%

  • Master's degree

    9%

  • Doctoral degree

    9%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Chemical Engineering
  • Polymer/Plastics Engineering
  • Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
  • Biochemical Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering, Other
  • Engineering Chemistry
  • Paper Science and Engineering
  • Ceramic Sciences and Engineering

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Math and Science Skills

    High

  • Technology Design and Control

    High

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Mid

  • Leadership

    Mid

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Engineering and Technology
  • Chemistry
  • Design
  • Mathematics
  • Physics

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Responsibility

    High

  • Level Of Competition

    High

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Mid

  • Repetitiveness

    Mid

  • Decision Making

    Mid

  • Time Pressure

    Low

  • Physical Activity

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.