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Chemical Process Design Engineer III Salary in the United States

How much does a Chemical Process Design Engineer III make in the United States?

As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Chemical Process Design Engineer III in the United States is $120,000 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:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $141,588
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $110,900 to $131,300
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $102,615
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View as table View as graph 25% $110,900 10% $102,615 90% $141,588 75% $131,300 $120,000 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

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 $120,000 $10,000 $2,308 $58
25th Percentile $110,900 $9,242 $2,133 $53
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Key Factors That Influence Chemical Process Design Engineer III Salaries

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.

How Experience Level Affects Chemical Process Design Engineer Salaries?

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:

  • Chemical Process Design Engineer I (0-2 years): $87,119
  • Chemical Process Design Engineer II (2-4 years): $102,322
  • Chemical Process Design Engineer III (4-7 years): $119,996
  • Chemical Process Design Engineer IV (7+ years): $142,141
  • Chemical Process Design Engineer V (7-10 years): $165,438
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Chemical Process Design Engineer I0-2 years$87,119
Chemical Process Design Engineer II2-4 years$102,322
Chemical Process Design Engineer III4-7 years$119,996
Chemical Process Design Engineer IV7+ years$142,141
Chemical Process Design Engineer V7-10 years$165,438
$87,119 Chemical ...
$102,322 Chemical ...
$119,996 Chemical ...
$142,141 Chemical ...
$165,438 Chemical ...
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What Am I Worth?

How Do Chemical Process Design Engineer III 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 Process Design Engineer IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $132,900.
  • California: $132,400.
  • Massachusetts: $130,600.

Top Paying Cities for Chemical Process Design Engineer IIIs

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: $151,400
  • San Francisco: $149,700
  • Oakland: $146,600

Chemical Process Design Engineer III Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

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 $134,295. While startup companies pay approximate $113,672.

Chemical Process Design Engineer III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$113,672
Growth Stage51~500$120,192
Established501~5000$129,716
Enterprise5000+$134,295

Chemical Process Design Engineer III Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Chemical Process Design Engineer III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Chemical Process Design Engineer positions in Retail & Wholesale or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Chemical Process Design Engineer III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Chemical Process Design Engineer III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$144,000$69.020%
Energy & Utilities$144,000$69.020%
Financial Services$144,000$69.020%
Pharmaceuticals$144,000$69.020%
Software & Networking$144,000$69.020%

Chemical Process Design Engineer III Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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.

Last Updated on July 01, 2026

Chemical Process Design Engineer III Salary Growth & Career Path

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.

Salary Trends for Chemical Process Design Engineer III

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, .

Average Annual Salary of Chemical Process Design Engineer III Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$119,657
2024
$114,266
2025
$109,026
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $119,657
2024 $114,266
2025 $109,026
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Chemical Process Design Engineer III

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Chemical Process Design Engineer III

Here are companies hiring for Chemical Process Design Engineer III and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Chemical Process Design Engineer III

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Chemical Process Design Engineer III?

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Chemical Process Design Engineer III roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. What is the best salary for a process engineer?

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.

3. What is design engineer 3?

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.

4. How much do chemical process operators make in the US?

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.

5. How much do Chemical Engineer jobs pay in USA?

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.

6. Which engineer is highest paid in USA?

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.

7. What is a process engineer vs chemical engineer?

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.

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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