As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Chemical Process Design Engineer III in the United States is $120,100 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $58.
However, a Chemical Process Design Engineer III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Chemical Process Design Engineer III Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $131,300 | $10,942 | $2,525 | $63 |
| Average | $120,100 | $10,008 | $2,310 | $58 |
| 25th Percentile | $110,800 | $9,233 | $2,131 | $53 |
A Chemical Process Design Engineer III'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Chemical Process Design Engineer III'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 Process Design Engineer I | 0-2 years | $87,114 |
| Chemical Process Design Engineer II | 2-4 years | $102,324 |
| Chemical Process Design Engineer III | 4-7 years | $120,010 |
| Chemical Process Design Engineer IV | 7+ years | $142,140 |
| Chemical Process Design Engineer V | 7-10 years | $165,458 |
Chemical Process Design Engineer III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $134,298. While startup companies pay approximate $113,699.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $113,699 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $120,216 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $129,710 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $134,298 |
Understanding how a Chemical Process Design Engineer III'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 | $131,300 | $10,942 | $2,525 | $63 |
| Average | $120,100 | $10,008 | $2,310 | $58 |
| 25th Percentile | $110,800 | $9,233 | $2,131 | $53 |
Next Role
Advancement
For a Chemical Process Design Engineer III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Chemical Process Design Engineer IV role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $142,200 - a projected growth of 18% over your current level.
Salaries for a Chemical Process Design Engineer III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $119,657 in 2023 to around $109,026 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Chemical Process Design Engineer III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $119,657 |
| 2024 | $114,266 |
| 2025 | $109,026 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Chemical Process Design Engineer III roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
The salary for a Chemical Process Design Engineer typically ranges from a minimum of $116,100 to a maximum of $143,500, with a mid-level salary around $129,200. This range reflects the competitive nature of the field, with various cities offering different compensation levels.
Design Engineer III is responsible for designing new products and enhancing existing ones. This role involves evaluating products, parts, or processes for cost efficiency and reliability, ensuring projects are completed on time. The salary for this position typically ranges from $116,100 to $143,500, with a midpoint of $129,200.
Chemical Process Design Engineers in the US earn between $116,100 and $143,500 annually, with a median salary of $129,200. This reflects a more specialized role compared to Chemical Plant and System Operators, who earn between $47,650 and $80,030 annually, with a median of $80,030.
The salary for a Chemical Process Design Engineer in the USA ranges from a minimum of $116,100 to a maximum of $143,500, with a mid-range salary of $129,200. These figures reflect the typical earnings in this field, providing a clear overview of potential compensation for professionals in this role.
The highest-paid engineering role in the USA is the Chemical Process Design Engineer, with a salary range from $116,100 to $143,500. The median salary for this position is approximately $129,200, making it one of the top-paying engineering jobs in the country.
Process engineering is a broader discipline that involves designing and optimizing processes across various industries, while chemical engineering is specifically concerned with the production of chemicals and chemical-based products. Chemical Process Design Engineers typically earn between $116,100 and $143,500, with a median salary of $129,200.
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