Chemical Engineer

Chemical Engineer Job Description

Chemical engineers solve problems by using a combination of math, economics, and physics. Chemical engineers specialize in the science of chemistry to help solve problems. Chemical engineers also invent and design new products for clients. They also design buildings for companies and different work instruments for the companies to use. Chemical engineers also develop different types of materials that are used to construct everyday items. They also help with making new products cost less and better to use in the environment. As one gains more experience in the field, they will gain more independence, but also receive more responsibility with projects.

Chemical Engineer Salary Statistics as of 2015

Average annual salary for a Chemical Engineer is $71543 based on statistics in the U.S. as of 2015. The highest salary recorded was $118236. The lowest salary reported was $50056. These figures will vary on a state to state basis as these are averages across all 50 states.

Median hourly wage for a Chemical Engineer is $23.64 based on statistics in the U.S. as of 2015. The highest hourly rate recorded was $30.64. The lowest hourly rate recorded was $16.64. These figures will vary on a state to state basis as these are averages across all 50 states.

Bonuses for a Chemical Engineer are based on the years of experience using statistics from the U.S. as of 2015. The average bonus recorded was $9826 from people with 15+ years of experience. The average bonus recorded was $1500 from people with under 1 year of experience.

These are the highest paying states for a Chemical Engineer. These numbers are based off the median annual salary as of 2015.
California – $41,459 – $115,624
Illinois – $49,035 – $114,424
Louisiana – $58,018 – $132,795
Michigan – $50,747 – $102,837
Ohio – $49,646 – $89,545
Pennsylvania – $46,482 – $102,409
Texas – $57,035 – $134,230

These are the highest paying cities for a Chemical Engineer. These numbers are based off the median annual salary as of 2015.
Houston, Texas –
Chicago, Illinois –
Baton Rouge, Louisiana –
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania –
Los Angeles, California –
Denver, Colorado –
Boston, Massachusetts –

This chart outlines the average annual salary of a Chemical Engineer from the past 5 years. In 2015 the average annual salary was $71543 while in 2007 it was just $66347.72

Work Environment

A lot of the time, chemists will develop a new chemical or the actual product. The chemical engineers then solve how to make the product usable, safe for the environment, and how to distribute the product to the public. During this problem solving process, the chemical engineers must communicate with the chemist in order to get the product successfully finished. As they succeed on projects, new inventions, and new products they will move into higher positions such as a supervisor. A large number of chemical engineers will start their own companies. Some chemical engineers will move into sales of the new products they have invented or improved. Many chemical engineers will move on to the supervisor of a team and managers of the companies that they once worked for.

Requirements

In order to enter an entry level position in the field, chemical engineers must receive a college bachelor’s degree in engineering. Many chemical engineers also receive a degree in chemistry, math, or another type of science or engineering technique to broaden their knowledge and chance of employment. A master’s degree is also suggested when trying to gain employment in the chemical engineer field. If a chemical engineer wants to work with the public, then they must receive a license. In order to receive a license in the United States you must have a degree that is recognized by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. You also need four years of work and experience related to the field and you must pass an examination given by the state.

Job Outlook

In 2016 employment for chemical engineers is predicted to grow at the average growth rate. Any jobs related to the field of chemical engineering are also predicted to rise at a very fast rate.