Chemical Engineers
Overview
Introduction
Chemical engineers take chemistry out of the laboratory and into the real world. They evaluate methods and equipment for the mass production of chemicals and other materials requiring chemical processing. They also develop products from these materials, such as plastics, metals, gasoline, detergents, pharmaceuticals, and foodstuffs. They develop or improve safe, environmentally sound processes, determine the least costly production method, and formulate the material for easy use and safe, economic transportation. There are approxima...
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
Chemical engineering is one of the highest paid scientific professions. Salaries vary with education, experience, industry, and employer. The U.S. Department of Labor reports that the median annual salary for chemical engineers was $104,910 in May 2018. The lowest paid 10 percent earned less than $64,890. The highest paid 10 percent earned more than $169,770 annually. Chemical engineers with do...
Work Environment
Because the industries in which chemical engineers work are so varied—from academia to waste treatment and disposal—the working conditions also vary. Most chemical engineers work in clean, well-maintained offices, laboratories, or plants, although some occasionally work outdoors, particularly construction engineers. Travel to new or existing plants may be required. Some chemical engineers work ...
Outlook
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) projects that employment for chemical engineers will grow by 6 percent, which is about as fast as the average for all careers through 2028. There will continue to be job openings as many chemical engineers retire in the next decade. The U.S. chemical industry is the second-largest in the world, according to the American Chemistry Council, providing 14 percent ...
