SOC 17-2041 · May 2025 · United States
Chemical Engineers
National figures, with pay broken out by state and metro area
The median wage for Chemical Engineers across the United States is $125,040 per year, measured over 21,070 jobs. The highest state median is in New Mexico, at $158,190.
National wage distribution · annual
Shaded band holds the middle 50% of earners
Where the pay is highest for Chemical Engineers
Pay for this occupation varies by 116.0% between the highest and lowest paying states with published data. New Mexico pays $158,190 and New Hampshire pays $73,250.
| # | State | Median | Jobs | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Mexico | $158,190 | 160 | |
| 2 | Virginia | $136,380 | 790 | |
| 3 | Alabama | $135,030 | 600 | |
| 4 | Louisiana | $134,800 | 730 | |
| 5 | Delaware | $133,670 | 370 | |
| 6 | Texas | $132,750 | 2,610 | |
| 7 | West Virginia | $129,210 | 160 | |
| 8 | New York | $129,060 | 540 | |
| 9 | Washington | $128,290 | 650 | |
| 10 | Oklahoma | $127,790 | 110 |
States with the most Chemical Engineers jobs
| # | State | Jobs | Median | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas | 2,610 | $132,750 | |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 1,460 | $118,000 | |
| 3 | Ohio | 1,030 | $111,200 | |
| 4 | Pennsylvania | 810 | $116,970 | |
| 5 | Virginia | 790 | $136,380 | |
| 6 | Louisiana | 730 | $134,800 | |
| 7 | Colorado | 720 | $125,800 | |
| 8 | Indiana | 720 | $113,160 | |
| 9 | Michigan | 670 | $103,230 | |
| 10 | Washington | 650 | $128,290 |
Top-paying metro areas
| # | Metro area | Median | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Albuquerque | $163,380 | 80 |
| 2 | Pittsburgh | $152,290 | 110 |
| 3 | Fort Collins | $139,220 | 40 |
| 4 | Houston | $138,120 | 1,510 |
| 5 | Mobile | $137,170 | 150 |
| 6 | New Orleans | $136,870 | 190 |
| 7 | Lake Charles | $136,810 | 100 |
| 8 | Trenton | $135,110 | 40 |
| 9 | Baton Rouge | $134,800 | 360 |
| 10 | Los Angeles | $134,210 | 320 |
Source and methodology
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 Salary Explorer is an independent project. It is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency. Full methodology.
Explore related data