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Chemical Engineer V - Research & Development (R&D) Salary in the United States

How much does a Chemical Engineer V - Research & Development (R&D) make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Chemical Engineer V - Research & Development (R&D) in the United States is $164,840 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $79.

However, a Chemical Engineer V - Research & Development (R&D)'s salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $187,269
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $161,080 to $176,580
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $157,657
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View as table View as graph 25% $161,080 10% $157,657 90% $187,269 75% $176,580 $164,840 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Chemical Engineer V - Research & Development (R&D) Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $176,580 $14,715 $3,396 $85
Average $164,840 $13,737 $3,170 $79
25th Percentile $161,080 $13,423 $3,098 $77
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Key Factors That Influence Chemical Engineer V - Research & Development (R&D) Salaries

A Chemical Engineer V - 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.

How Experience Level Affects Chemical Engineer V - Research & Development (R&D) Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Chemical Engineer V - 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:

  • Chemical Engineer III - Research & Development (R&D) (4-7 years): $114,421
  • Chemical Engineer IV - Research & Development (R&D) (7+ years): $138,331
  • Chemical Engineer V - Research & Development (R&D) (7-10 years): $164,836
  • Chemical Engineer - Advisor (10-12 years): $190,106
  • Chemical Research & Development Engineering Manager (12+ years): $148,092
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Chemical Engineer III - Research & Development (R&D)4-7 years$114,421
Chemical Engineer IV - Research & Development (R&D)7+ years$138,331
Chemical Engineer V - Research & Development (R&D)7-10 years$164,836
Chemical Engineer - Advisor10-12 years$190,106
Chemical Research & Development Engineering Manager12+ years$148,092
$114,421 Chemical ...
$138,331 Chemical ...
$164,836 Chemical ...
$190,106 Chemical ...
$148,092 Chemical ...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Chemical Engineer V - Research & Development (R&D)s

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $207,910
  • San Francisco: $205,640
  • Oakland: $201,300

What Skills Can Increase a Chemical Engineer V - Research & Development (R&D)'s Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Consulting (Mentioned in 8.37% Job Postings): Providing technical or business expertise and advice to internal or external clients.
  • Support Services (Mentioned in 2.79% Job Postings): Support Services means those activities provided to or on behalf of a person in the areas of personal care and assistance and property maintenance in order to allow a person to live in the least restrictive environment.
  • Environmental Technology (Mentioned in 1.99% Job Postings): environmental technologies aim to protect the environment. They offer ways of consuming which are less polluting or do so in a sustainable manner, and often provide new ways to avoid depletion of natural resources altogether.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Consulting 8.37%
Support Services 2.79%
Environmental Technology 1.99%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
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 V - Research & Development (R&D)'s salary.
  • Communicates Effectively: Can increase your salary by up to 14%.
  • Chemistry: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
  • Employee Health and Safety: Can increase your salary by up to 11%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Communicates Effectively
$187,918
14%
Chemistry
$184,621
12%
Employee Health and Safety
$182,972
11%
Taking Action
$182,972
11%
Mechanical Engineering
$181,324
10%
Quality Control
$174,730
6%
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Chemical Engineer V - Research & Development (R&D) Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Chemical Engineer V - 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 $184,637. While startup companies pay approximate $156,332.

Chemical Engineer V - Research & Development (R&D) Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$156,332
Growth Stage51~500$165,294
Established501~5000$178,338
Enterprise5000+$184,637

Chemical Engineer V - Research & Development (R&D) Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Chemical Engineer V - Research & Development (R&D) roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Chemical Engineer V - Research & Development (R&D) positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Chemical Engineer V - Research & Development (R&D) as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Chemical Engineer V - Research & Development (R&D)

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$206,050$99.025%
Biotechnology$197,808$95.020%
Pharmaceuticals$194,511$94.018%
Energy & Utilities$189,566$91.015%
Aerospace & Defense$181,324$87.010%

How Education impacts a Chemical Engineer V - Research & Development (R&D)'s Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Chemical Engineer V - Research & Development (R&D)s enter the field with a Master's Degree or MBA 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 V - Research & Development (R&D) with a Master's Degree or MBA is between $166,724 and $176,495).

Chemical Engineer V - Research & Development (R&D) Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Chemical Engineer V - Research & Development (R&D)
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.8%
High School 0.8%
Associates 0.4%
Bachelors 33.9%
Masters 35.5%
Doctorate 29.1%
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Chemical Engineer V - Research & Development (R&D) Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Chemical Engineer V - 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.

Last Updated on August 01, 2026

Chemical Engineer V - Research & Development (R&D) Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Chemical Engineer V - Research & Development (R&D), the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Chemical Engineer - Advisor role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $190,200 - a projected growth of 15% over your current level.

Salary Trends for Chemical Engineer V - Research & Development (R&D)

Salaries for a Chemical Engineer V - Research & Development (R&D) can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $140,625 in 2023 to around $124,674 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Chemical Engineer V - Research & Development (R&D) salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Chemical Engineer V - Research & Development (R&D) Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$140,625
2024
$132,086
2025
$124,674
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $140,625
2024 $132,086
2025 $124,674
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Chemical Engineer V - Research & Development (R&D)

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Chemical Engineer V - Research & Development (R&D)

Here are companies hiring for Chemical Engineer V - Research & Development (R&D) and their salaries, click below for more details.

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Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Chemical Engineer V - Research & Development (R&D) job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

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FAQ about Chemical Engineer V - Research & Development (R&D)

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Chemical Engineer V - Research & Development (R&D)?

The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Chemical Engineer V - Research & Development (R&D) roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.

2. Do I need a PhD to work in R&D?

You do not necessarily need a PhD to work in R&D. Many positions require a bachelor's or master's degree in chemical engineering or a related field. However, having a PhD can enhance your prospects and may lead to higher salaries, which range from approximately $156,570 to $192,200, depending on experience and specific roles within the industry.

3. Can chemical engineers work in R&D?

Yes, chemical engineers can work in R&D, often focusing on sectors like petroleum, coal products manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals. In this field, they can expect salaries ranging from a minimum of $156,570 to a maximum of $192,200, with a mid-salary of $174,930, reflecting their expertise and contributions to innovation and development.

4. How much does a Chemical Engineer earn in the USA?

A Chemical Engineer in Research & Development (R&D) in the USA typically earns between $156,570 and $192,200 annually, with a median salary of around $174,930. This reflects the specialized nature of the role and the demand for expertise in the field.

5. What is R and D in chemical engineering?

R&D in chemical engineering is essential for fostering innovation in the industry. It enables the discovery and development of new products and processes, allowing companies to experiment with ideas, optimize methods, and adapt to market trends. Professionals in this field can expect salaries ranging from $156,570 to $192,200, with a median salary of $174,930.

6. What is the highest salary chemical engineering jobs?

The highest salary for Chemical Engineers in Research & Development (R&D) ranges from $156,570 to $192,200, with a mid-salary of $174,930. This positions them among the top earners in the engineering field, reflecting the specialized skills and expertise required in R&D roles.

7. What is the salary of PHD Chemical Engineer in USA?

The salary for a PhD Chemical Engineer in the USA typically ranges from $156,570 to $192,200 per year, with a mid-salary of approximately $174,930. These figures reflect the competitive compensation in the Research & Development (R&D) sector for professionals with advanced degrees.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

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