Apply chemistry and engineering principles to develop chemical manufacturing processes.
Pay
$80,000
Lower reported wage
$121,860
Median
$182,150
Upper reported wage
Annual U.S. salaries. Actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience. The lower and upper figures do not represent starting and senior salaries.
A bachelor’s in chemical engineering or a related field is typical. Programs usually take 4 years; some combined bachelor’s/master’s programs take 5.
Laboratory and field study develop practical experience. Some employers prefer internships or cooperative education.
Entry-level chemical-engineering roles do not require licensure according to BLS. A later professional-engineer license has separate education, examination, and experience conditions.
A PE license is distinct from an engineering degree. It can qualify experienced engineers to offer services to the public. State requirements generally include qualifying education, FE and PE examinations, and relevant experience; verify the state board’s rules.[1]
Search CareerOneStop by occupation and state, then confirm the rules with the issuing agency. Coverage is incomplete; an empty result does not mean no license is required.
Internships and cooperative programs combine learning with practical experience. BLS does not establish a universal pay arrangement for these placements.[1]
Costs to check before enrolling
Compare engineering tuition, laboratory or equipment charges, co-op pay, relocation, and optional later FE/PE costs. Ask whether co-op terms change graduation timing.
Planning questions: request a written estimate from each program or sponsor. A total cost has not been verified here.
Majors and routes to explore
A related major can be preparation; it does not by itself qualify you for the career.
A typical degree route; laboratory experience and internships can matter to employers.[1]
Daily life
What you would do
Design manufacturing processes, develop safety procedures, monitor production, troubleshoot problems, and estimate production costs.[1]
Where you could work
Offices and laboratories, with visits to industrial plants or refineries to monitor or troubleshoot operations.[1]
Hours and flexibility
Most work full time. More than 40 hours may be needed to meet production targets or resolve manufacturing problems.[1]
Physical and emotional demands
Industrial work can involve hazardous chemicals and equipment, requiring protective measures. Analysis, troubleshooting, and communication with production teams are important.[1]
How you could advance
Experience may lead to supervising engineers and technicians or becoming an engineering manager.[1]
These are possible directions. Promotion timing and pay depend on the role and employer.
Questions to ask yourself and an employer
Do I want to use chemistry and mathematics to solve production problems?
Would industrial locations, safety procedures, and occasional extended hours suit me?
