How to Become a Chemical Engineer
Scale chemistry from the lab bench to industrial production, designing the processes behind fuels, plastics, medicines, and materials. It typically requires a bachelor's degree, with a median salary of $125,040 per year and about average projected job growth.
Median pay
$125,040/yr
Job growth
3%
Openings / yr
1,100
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Process Design
- Thermodynamics
- Science
- Mathematics
- Critical Thinking
Helpful certifications
- FE/PE (Professional Engineer, for licensure track)
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
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Work-life balance
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Stress level
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Satisfaction
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Related careers
- Computer Hardware Engineer$161,740 median
- Petroleum Engineer$144,910 median
- Aerospace Engineer$134,960 median
- Nuclear Engineer$133,970 median
- Electrical Engineer$120,630 median
- Materials Engineer$112,860 median
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Chemical Engineer make?
The median pay for a Chemical Engineer is $125,040 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become a Chemical Engineer?
The usual entry point is a bachelor's degree. Common majors are Chemical Engineering and Chemistry.
Is Chemical Engineer a growing field?
The BLS projects about average demand for this role, about 3% over the decade, with roughly 1,100 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does a Chemical Engineer use most?
Common skills for this role are Process Design, Thermodynamics, Science, Mathematics, and Critical Thinking.
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.