Chemical Engineer Salary

Chemical engineering is a type of engineering that combines principles of math, economics and life and physical sciences. Chemical engineers convert chemicals or raw materials into useful products. They create basic everyday materials such as rubber, plastic, paper, gas, cement and detergents. They are also pioneers, creating new concepts such as biomedicine and fuel cells. Chemical engineers command very high salaries. In fact, a chemical engineer salary is one of the highest entry-level salaries, not only for those in the engineering field, but in all professions. Chemical engineering has been touted as the most lucrative of careers, based on the high salaries and steady growth. However, their salaries do vary greatly. A chemical engineer salary can depend on many factors, including education, experience, industry and location.

A chemical engineer salary for someone right out of college can vary from almost $52,000 to a little more than $66,000. Those with up to four years of experience can earn more than $70,000. Someone with 10-19 years of experience can possibly earn a six-figure salary. A chemical engineer salary for someone with 20 years of experience or more can go beyond $126,000. The average salary overall is around $100,000, with salaries ranging from about $57,000 to $140,000.

Of the estimated 31,000 chemical engineers in the United States, most (nearly 5,000) work in the engineering services field and earn an average chemical engineer salary of more than $97,000 annually. However, the top-paying industry is natural gas distribution, with average salaries rising above $141,000. Second on the list of highest-paying industries is oil and gas extraction, which averages $114,000.

Texas has the most chemical engineers than any other state, at more than 5,000. The average chemical engineer salary there is more than $105,000. California, at second place, has a much lower number of chemical engineers (nearly 2,000), but a slightly higher wage, at $106,670. However, Alaska has the highest chemical engineer salary, at an average of more than $127,000. Alaska also only has 70 chemical engineers in the entire state.

The type of education one receives can affect their chemical engineer salary. Those with a master's degree typically earn more than those with a bachelor's degree. Those with a Ph.D. can earn even more. However, a master's degree is generally only required for those looking to work in the academic field. There are very few Ph.D. programs in chemical engineering available, so obtaining a Ph.D. is extremely difficult. A bachelor's degree is the standard requirement for almost all chemical engineering jobs. Those looking to increase their chemical engineer salary would do better to gain more experience rather than more education. Internships during college are great ways to gain hands-on experience before graduation. In addition, those with the most skills and experience can work their way up to top-paying managerial positions.

There are other ways to increase your chemical engineer salary. Becoming certified is a requirement if you work with the public. However, if you are not required to become certified, you should do so anyway. Certification proves to employers that you are dedicated to your job and have the skills and knowledge to meet or exceed national standards. You will be more highly regarded by co-workers and managers. It will likely open the door to more opportunities and a higher chemical engineer salary. You may also want to consider joining a professional association. An association allows you to network with others in the field. You will be informed of meetings and conferences in your area so you can attend and learn more about the industry. You will also have access to educational opportunities as well as job postings, both which can lead to a higher chemical engineer salary.