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Chemical Process Design Engineer IV Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Chemical Process Design Engineer IV in the United States is $142,200 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $68.

However, a Chemical Process Design Engineer IV's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $160,349
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $134,900 to $151,700
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $128,254

Key Factors That Influence Chemical Process Design Engineer IV Salaries

A Chemical Process Design Engineer IV'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 IV'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 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 Engineering Manager (10+ years): $160,043
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Chemical Process Design Engineer II2-4 years$102,324
Chemical Process Design Engineer III4-7 years$120,010
Chemical Process Design Engineer IV7+ years$142,140
Chemical Process Design Engineer V7-10 years$165,458
Chemical Process Design Engineering Manager10+ years$160,043

Top Paying Cities for Chemical Process Design Engineer IVs

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: $179,300
  • San Francisco: $177,400
  • Oakland: $173,600

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

Chemical Process Design Engineer IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $159,011. While startup companies pay approximate $134,621.

Chemical Process Design Engineer IV Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $134,621
Growth Stage 51~500 $142,337
Established 501~5000 $153,578
Enterprise 5000+ $159,011

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

For Chemical Process Design Engineer IV roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 30% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Construction sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 15% above the average. In contrast, Chemical Process Design Engineer positions in Financial Services or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Chemical Process Design Engineer IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Chemical Process Design Engineer IV

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$163,530$79.015%
Construction$156,420$75.010%
Software & Networking$156,420$75.010%
Business Services$149,310$72.05%
Healthcare$149,310$72.05%

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

Understanding how a Chemical Process Design Engineer IV'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
$134,900
Average $142,200/year
$151,700
$11,242
Average $11,850/month
$12,642
$2,594
Average $2,735/week
$2,917
$65
Average $68/hour
$73
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $151,700 $12,642 $2,917 $73
Average $142,200 $11,850 $2,735 $68
25th Percentile $134,900 $11,242 $2,594 $65

Chemical Process Design Engineer IV Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Chemical Process Design Engineer IV, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Chemical Process Design Engineer V role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $165,500 - a projected growth of 16% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Chemical Process Design Engineer IV

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

Common company salaries for Chemical Process Design Engineer IV

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

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FAQ about Chemical Process Design Engineer IV

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

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Chemical Process Design Engineer IV roles, with salaries approximately 15% above the market median.

2. What is a process engineer level 4?

The Process Engineer IV is responsible for designing, collecting data, analyzing experiments, generating documentation, executing projects, and training engineers. They resolve complex issues and implement new technologies while interacting with customers and vendors. The salary for this role ranges from $138,500 to $170,500, with a midpoint of $154,500.

3. What is the highest salary chemical engineering jobs?

The highest salary for a Chemical Process Design Engineer ranges from $138,500 to $170,500, with a mid-salary of $154,500. This positions chemical engineering among the top-paying jobs, reflecting its importance in various industries.

4. What is the salary of a 4th engineer?

The salary of a Chemical Process Design Engineer typically ranges from $138,500 to $170,500, with a mid-point salary of $154,500. This role involves designing and optimizing chemical processes, ensuring safety and efficiency in production.

5. What is the difference between engineer III and IV?

Generally, Engineers I and II perform technical work under close oversight. An Engineer III may serve as a team lead or resident engineer for projects with minimal oversight, earning a salary ranging from $138,500 to $170,500. In contrast, an Engineer IV provides full project management and technical expertise, typically earning a mid-salary of $154,500.

6. What is highest salary for design engineer?

The highest salary for a Chemical Process Design Engineer is $170,500 per year. The average starting salary is around $138,500, with a mid-range salary of $154,500. Typically, a minimum of one year of experience is required to qualify for this role.

7. What is the highest paid Chemical Engineer?

The highest paid Chemical Process Design Engineer can earn up to $170,500 annually. The salary range for this position typically starts at a minimum of $138,500, with a mid-level salary around $154,500. This reflects the demand and expertise required in the field of chemical engineering.

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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