Design chemical plant equipment and devise processes for manufacturing chemicals and products, such as gasoline, synthetic rubber, plastics, detergents, cement, paper, and pulp, by applying principles and technology of chemistry, physics, and engineering.
SOC: 17-2041.00
Common Job Titles
Chemical Engineer
Engineer
Process Engineer
Scientist
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
KnowledgeDesign chemical plant equipment and manufacturing processes applying principles of chemistry, physics, and engineering to produce chemicals, plastics, and industrial products.
Advanced
KnowledgeAnalyze process data and system performance metrics using simulation software and mathematical modeling to optimize production efficiency.
Advanced
KnowledgeFormulate process improvement strategies and scale-up protocols by synthesizing laboratory results with production constraints and economic considerations.
Advanced
KnowledgeEvaluate chemical processes and equipment designs for compliance with safety and regulatory standards in industrial manufacturing environments, balancing technical performance with public safety requirements.
Proficient
KnowledgeApply thermodynamic and kinetic principles to reaction engineering problems when designing catalytic reactors, distillation columns, and separation systems.
Proficient
Hands-onOperate process simulation software and CAD/CADD systems to draft technical specifications and model chemical processes using AspenTech, AutoCAD, and MATLAB.
Proficient
Hands-onPerform equipment inspections and process monitoring activities using heat exchangers, distillation systems, and filtration equipment in pilot-plant and production settings.
Proficient
MindsetIntegrate cross-functional input from production, safety, and quality assurance teams when coordinating process modifications and addressing technical challenges collaboratively.
Proficient
MindsetAdvocate for sustainable engineering practices and safety protocols when balancing production goals with environmental stewardship and regulatory compliance.
Proficient
KnowledgeInterpret spectroscopic data and analytical chemistry results using mass spectrometers and chromatographic systems to validate product quality and process control.
Proficient
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Chemical Engineers (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
20,330
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $78,520. 25th percentile: U.S. $96,040. 50th percentile: U.S. $121,860. 75th percentile: U.S. $152,290. 90th percentile: U.S. $182,150. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$78,520
10% of workers earn the following or more
$182,150
Workers on average earn
$128,430
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Engineering and Technology5.0/5
Mathematics4.8/5
Chemistry4.8/5
Physics4.4/5
Production and Processing4.3/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
