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Career Profile

Chemical Engineers

What they do:

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.

Also Called:

Chemical Engineer, Development Engineer, Engineer, Engineering Scientist, Process Control Engineer, Process Engineer, Project Engineer, Refinery Process Engineer, Research Chemical Engineer, Scientist, Chemical Engineer, Development Engineer, Engineer, Engineering Scientist, Process Control Engineer, Process Engineer, Project Engineer, Refinery Process Engineer, Research Chemical Engineer, Scientist

Job Data & Employment

*National data provided by O*NET & BLS
Compare State data      Compare Metro Area Data   
$79,420
Starting Salary (2025)
$125,040
Median Salary (2025)
2.6%
Projected Job Growth
21,070
Employment (2025)

Typical Tasks

Design and plan layout of equipment.
Develop safety procedures to be employed by workers operating equipment or working in close proximity to ongoing chemical reactions.
Monitor and analyze data from processes and experiments.
Troubleshoot problems with chemical manufacturing processes.
Determine most effective arrangement of operations such as mixing, crushing, heat transfer, distillation, and drying.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Investigative
Studying, Research based work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Analytical Thinking
Integrity
Attention to Detail
Dependability
Initiative
Achievement/Effort

What key skills are needed for this job?

Science
Complex Problem Solving
Critical Thinking
Mathematics
Reading Comprehension
Systems Analysis

Expected Knowledge

Engineering and Technology

Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

Chemistry

Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

Mathematics

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Common Activities

Processing Information

Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Analyzing Data or Information

Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.
Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.
Job Zone 4

Considerable Preparation Needed

Education

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Experience

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.

Training

Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Typical Education Required

Education a new hire may need

  • Bachelor's degree 82%
  • Master's degree 9%
  • Doctoral degree 9%
Source: O*NET Education, Training & Experience data

Related Careers

Materials Engineers
Manufacturing Engineers
Chemists
Mechanical Engineers
Nuclear Engineers

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*Data on career profiles are based on information supplied by the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration.