As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Chemical Engineer I - Research & Development (R&D) in the United States is $83,600 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.
However, a Chemical Engineer I - Research & Development (R&D)'s salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Chemical Engineer I - Research & Development (R&D) Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $91,000 | $7,583 | $1,750 | $44 |
| Average | $83,600 | $6,967 | $1,608 | $40 |
| 25th Percentile | $78,100 | $6,508 | $1,502 | $38 |
A Chemical Engineer I - Research & Development (R&D)'s salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Chemical Engineer I - Research & Development (R&D)'s salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Engineer I - Research & Development (R&D) | 0-2 years | $83,599 |
| Chemical Engineer II - Research & Development (R&D) | 2-4 years | $97,230 |
| Chemical Engineer III - Research & Development (R&D) | 4-7 years | $114,421 |
| Chemical Engineer IV - Research & Development (R&D) | 7+ years | $138,332 |
| Chemical Engineer - Expert/Consultant | 7-10 years | $164,841 |
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 5.91% |
| Design Engineering | 2.13% |
| Support Services | 1.89% |
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Chemical Engineer I - Research & Development (R&D)'s salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Decision Making | $91,960 | |
| Consulting Services | $89,452 | |
| Semiconductors | $89,452 |
Chemical Engineer I - Research & Development (R&D) salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $93,483. While startup companies pay approximate $79,145.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $79,145 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $83,680 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $90,289 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $93,483 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Chemical Engineer I - Research & Development (R&D)s enter the field with a Associate's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Chemical Engineer I - Research & Development (R&D) with a Associate's Degree is between $80,743 and $85,458).
| Typical Education for Chemical Engineer I - Research & Development (R&D) | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Diploma | 0.4% |
| High School | 0.9% |
| Associates | 0.4% |
| Bachelors | 68.5% |
| Masters | 22.1% |
| Doctorate | 7.7% |
Understanding how a Chemical Engineer I - Research & Development (R&D)'s annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $91,000 | $7,583 | $1,750 | $44 |
| Average | $83,600 | $6,967 | $1,608 | $40 |
| 25th Percentile | $78,100 | $6,508 | $1,502 | $38 |
For a Chemical Engineer I - Research & Development (R&D), the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Chemical Engineer II - Research & Development (R&D) role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $97,300 - a projected growth of 16% over your current level.
Salaries for a Chemical Engineer I - Research & Development (R&D) can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $81,828 in 2023 to around $74,267 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Chemical Engineer I - Research & Development (R&D) salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $81,828 |
| 2024 | $78,073 |
| 2025 | $74,267 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Chemical Engineer I - Research & Development (R&D) roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
Chemical engineers in Research & Development typically earn between $78,600 and $95,900 annually, with a median salary of $86,800. While these figures are below six figures, experienced professionals in specialized roles or industries may earn higher salaries, potentially reaching six figures in certain circumstances.
R&D engineers in the USA typically earn between $78,600 and $95,900 annually. The average salary for this role is approximately $86,800. These figures reflect the range of salaries based on industry data, providing a clear picture of compensation for Chemical Engineers in Research and Development.
A good salary for a Chemical Engineer in Research & Development (R&D) in the USA typically ranges from $78,600 to $95,900 annually. The average salary is around $86,800, which reflects the competitive nature of the field and the expertise required for R&D roles.
As of January 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Chemical Engineer in Research & Development (R&D) is $86,800. Salaries typically range from $78,600 to $95,900, reflecting the diverse compensation within the field.
The highest salary for a Chemical Engineer in Research & Development (R&D) is ₹95,900. The top 10% of employees earn more than ₹86,800 per year, while the top 1% earn above ₹78,600 annually.
R&D jobs can offer competitive salaries. For Chemical Engineers in Research & Development, the salary ranges from a minimum of $78,600 to a mid-level of $86,800, with a maximum of $95,900. This indicates a solid earning potential within the field, reflecting the importance of R&D roles in driving innovation.
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