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

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Chemical Engineer VI - Research & Development (R&D) in the United States is $190,100 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $91.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $216,082
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $179,890 to $203,700
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $170,594
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Chemical Engineer VI - Research & Development (R&D) Salaries

A Chemical Engineer VI - 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

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

Experience is a primary driver of a Chemical Engineer VI - 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 IV - Research & Development (R&D) (7+ years): $138,332
  • Chemical Engineer - Expert/Consultant (7-10 years): $164,841
  • Chemical Engineer VI - Research & Development (R&D) (10-12 years): $190,094
  • Chemical Research & Development Engineering Manager (12+ years): $148,099
  • Chemical Research & Development Engineering Director (12+ years): $205,758
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Chemical Engineer IV - Research & Development (R&D)7+ years$138,332
Chemical Engineer - Expert/Consultant7-10 years$164,841
Chemical Engineer VI - Research & Development (R&D)10-12 years$190,094
Chemical Research & Development Engineering Manager12+ years$148,099
Chemical Research & Development Engineering Director12+ years$205,758
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How Do Chemical Engineer VI - Research & Development (R&D) Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Chemical Engineer VI - Research & Development (R&D)s. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $210,480.
  • California: $209,680.
  • Massachusetts: $206,880.

Top Paying Cities for Chemical Engineer VI - 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: $239,770
  • San Francisco: $237,150
  • Oakland: $232,150

Chemical Engineer VI - Research & Development (R&D) Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Chemical Engineer VI - 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 $212,574. While startup companies pay approximate $179,969.

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

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $179,969
Growth Stage 51~500 $190,283
Established 501~5000 $205,311
Enterprise 5000+ $212,574

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

For Chemical Engineer VI - Research & Development (R&D) roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 65% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Chemical Engineer VI - Research & Development (R&D) positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Chemical Engineer VI - Research & Development (R&D) as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

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

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$237,625$114.025%
Energy & Utilities$228,120$110.020%
Software & Networking$228,120$110.020%
Pharmaceuticals$218,615$105.015%
Aerospace & Defense$209,110$101.010%

Chemical Engineer VI - Research & Development (R&D) Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Chemical Engineer VI - 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 September 01, 2026
$179,890
Average $190,100/year
$203,700
$14,991
Average $15,842/month
$16,975
$3,459
Average $3,656/week
$3,917
$86
Average $91/hour
$98
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $203,700 $16,975 $3,917 $98
Average $190,100 $15,842 $3,656 $91
25th Percentile $179,890 $14,991 $3,459 $86

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

Chemical Engineer VI - Research & Development (R&D)

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Advancement

For a Chemical Engineer VI - Research & Development (R&D), the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Chemical Research & Development Engineering Manager role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $148,100 - a projected growth of -22% over your current level.

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

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Chemical Engineer VI - Research & Development (R&D)

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

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

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

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

2. How much do R&D engineers make in USA?

Research and Development (R&D) Chemical Engineers in the USA earn between $195,200 and $238,780 annually. The average salary is approximately $215,450, translating to a monthly pay of about $17,954. This reflects a competitive compensation range for professionals in this field.

3. Which chemical engineer has highest salary?

The highest salary for a Chemical Engineer in Research & Development (R&D) is approximately $238,780. The salary range for this role typically starts at $195,200, with a mid-point salary of $215,450. This indicates a lucrative career path for those in R&D within the chemical engineering field.

4. Can chemical engineers work in R&D?

Yes, chemical engineers can work in R&D, particularly in sectors like petroleum, coal products manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals. Their expertise is crucial for developing new processes and products. Salaries in this field range from a minimum of $195,200 to a mid-level of $215,450, with a maximum of $238,780, reflecting the demand for their skills.

5. What is the highest salary chemical engineering jobs?

The highest salary for a Chemical Engineer in Research & Development (R&D) ranges from a minimum of $195,200 to a maximum of $238,780, with a mid-salary of $215,450. This positions R&D roles among the top-paying jobs in the engineering sector, reflecting the specialized skills and expertise required in this field.

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

A Chemical Engineer in Research & Development (R&D) in the USA typically earns between $195,200 and $238,780 annually, with a median salary of approximately $215,450. This reflects the specialized nature of the role and the demand for expertise in the field.

7. How much does the head of R&D make in the US?

As of the latest data, the salary for a Chemical Engineer in Research & Development (R&D) ranges from $195,200 to $238,780 annually, with a mid-salary of $215,450. This reflects the competitive compensation for professionals in this field, highlighting the importance of R&D in driving innovation and development.

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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