Chemical Engineer: Job Duties, Skills and Salary 2025

What Does a Chemical Engineer do?

As a chemical engineer, you develop processes to produce chemicals and materials efficiently. You design equipment, solve production issues, and ensure that chemical production is safe, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Chemical Engineers in the Engineering field handle essential tasks and contribute significantly to achieving team and organizational goals. Here are some of their primary responsibilities:

• Develop new and improve existing processes for the manufacturing of chemicals and related products.
• Design and plan the layout of equipment, configure instruments and control systems, and ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.
• Conduct research to develop new manufacturing processes and systems, including the use of new materials and energy sources.
• Simulate and test process operations using software and models to ensure efficiency and safety.
• Optimize production by analyzing processes and conducting tests to increase yield and reduce costs.
• Prepare reports, flow diagrams, and charts on production and project statuses.
• Implement safety procedures and environmental regulations for handling hazardous chemicals.
• Collaborate with scientists, researchers, and other engineers to refine product designs and applications.

How to Become a Chemical Engineer

Launching a career as a Chemical Engineer requires a specific education. We outline the essential qualifications, skills, and steps to enter this field.

Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field.
• Advanced degrees (Master's or PhD) can be beneficial, particularly for complex research or leadership roles.
• Relevant certifications such as a Professional Engineer (PE) license may be required for certain positions.
• Experience with computer software for design and simulation, such as CAD and process simulators.
• Strong foundation in chemistry, physics, and mathematics.

Requirements & Skills

• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to oversee multiple aspects of a project simultaneously.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and communicate findings and proposals.
• Leadership skills and the ability to manage projects and teams, particularly for senior roles.
• Commitment to ongoing education and training in new techniques and technologies relevant to the field of chemical engineering.

Chemical Engineer Salary Guide

Wondering what Chemical Engineers earn? Explore salary ranges by experience, and career tips to maximize your earning potential.

The average salary for a Chemical Engineer in the U.S. is approximately $107,230 per year and can vary from entry-level to senior positions. Chemical Engineers may receive a wide range of benefits.

Chemical Engineer Salary Career Steps

To explore more detailed salary information, including specific salary estimates in your country, visit the Chemical Engineer Salary Country Overview.