Explore This Path

Chemical Engineer

💰 Earn $96K-$152K

📚 Bachelor Degree

⏱️ 24–48 Month Training

📈 2.6% Job Growth

Innovate in creating essential products like plastics and fuels.
Drive sustainable solutions with chemistry and engineering expertise.
Transform raw materials into valuable resources through unique processes.

What Chemical Engineers DoDesign 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.

Monitor and analyze data from processes and experiments.
Develop safety procedures to be employed by workers operating equipment or working in close proximity to ongoing chemical reactions.
Develop processes to separate components of liquids or gases or generate electrical currents, using controlled chemical processes.
Troubleshoot problems with chemical manufacturing processes.
Evaluate chemical equipment and processes to identify ways to optimize performance or to ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.

Chemical Engineers Education, Salary, and Growth

Minimum EducationBachelor Degree

Career ProspectsGood (Increasing by 1-5%)

Training Time2 to 4 years

Job Openings1,100 Annually

Median Earnings

$121,860 in California

$121,860 Nationally

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Only you can decide how much you need to earn — but knowing what it actually costs to live in your area can help. The Family Budget Calculator can guide you.

Real Talk Reel

We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life of this career.

@chemengweekly

Is This Career Right For You?

YOU Like

Thinking and problem solving
Working with my hands

you value

Accomplishing things
Having freedom
Receiving recognition

you are skilled in

Speaking
Monitoring
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Writing

Go Deeper: Chemical Engineers Explained

Chemical EngineerExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

How Do You Train for This Career?

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ Finish in 4-5+ years

ApprenticeshipAn apprenticeship typically offers a combination of hands-on training and classroom instruction, leading to practical skills, industry-specific knowledge, and the potential for long-term employment in a specific trade or profession.

🎓 Paid Work

⏱️ Finish in 2-5 years

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