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.
Need qualified Chemical Engineers?
Post your jobs for free on Cityjobs and reach creative specialists worldwide. Hire faster today.
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.
| Job | Branch | Avg. US Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Engineer | Engineering | 107,230 USD |
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
| Level | Experience | Avg. Salary per Year |
|---|---|---|
| Veteran | 20+ years | $134,038 |
| Senior | 11+ years | $117,953 |
| Experienced | 6-10 years | $107,230 |
| Mid Level | 3-5 years | $96,507 |
| Entry Level | 0-2 years | $80,423 |
How much can you earn as a Chemical Engineer?
Explore verified salary insights and compensation trends across different countries.
How to Advance Your Career
Chemical Engineers may advance in technical roles to become senior engineers or project managers, overseeing larger projects and teams. Some move into executive positions such as plant managers or directors of engineering. Others may specialize in specific areas such as process design, research and development, or environmental safety and compliance.
Typical Work Environment
Chemical Engineers typically work in laboratories, offices, or industrial plants. The work environment can vary widely depending on the specific industry and role. Engineers working in plants or industrial sites may face exposure to hazards from equipment and chemicals, necessitating strict adherence to safety protocols. Work hours can vary, with some positions requiring shift work or on-call duties to address operational issues that may arise at any time.
Content Verification Note
This profile for a Chemical Engineer is compiled using a hybrid approach: Core data is sourced from the BLS and Payscale, synthesized via AI for structure, and manually verified by our editorial team for accuracy.
Latest Career & Market Intelligence
Expert advice and international market trends to help you navigate the future of work.
India Tech Jobs 2026: The GCC Hiring Boom Guide
GCCs are hiring 4x faster than IT services in India. Discover the top tech jobs for 2026, salary comparisons, and why skills now beat degrees.
Read Article
These Five Tech Jobs do not require a Degree
Companies are urgently hiring for these 5 tech roles that don't require degrees necessarily. See which certifications can get you hired fast in growing fields like cybersecurity and cloud computing.
Read Article
How can I work online and get paid?
Discover in our guide how to work online and get paid — no experience needed! Discover legit remote jobs, essential skills, and step-by-step tips to start earning from home today. Avoid scams & find your perfect online gig.
Read Article