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Chemical Process Development Engineer I Salary in the United States

How much does a Chemical Process Development Engineer I make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Chemical Process Development Engineer I in the United States is $87,120 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $42.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $98,105
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $82,150 to $92,870
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $77,625
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View as table View as graph 25% $82,150 10% $77,625 90% $98,105 75% $92,870 $87,120 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Chemical Process Development Engineer I Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $92,870 $7,739 $1,786 $45
Average $87,120 $7,260 $1,675 $42
25th Percentile $82,150 $6,846 $1,580 $39
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Key Factors That Influence Chemical Process Development Engineer I Salaries

A Chemical Process Development Engineer I'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 Development Engineer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Chemical Process Development Engineer I'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 Development Engineer I (0-2 years): $87,117
  • Chemical Process Design Engineer II (2-4 years): $102,323
  • Chemical Process Design Engineer III (4-7 years): $120,003
  • Chemical Process Design Engineer IV (7+ years): $142,141
  • Chemical Process Design Engineer V (7-10 years): $165,448
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Chemical Process Development Engineer I0-2 years$87,117
Chemical Process Design Engineer II2-4 years$102,323
Chemical Process Design Engineer III4-7 years$120,003
Chemical Process Design Engineer IV7+ years$142,141
Chemical Process Design Engineer V7-10 years$165,448
$87,117 Chemical ...
$102,323 Chemical ...
$120,003 Chemical ...
$142,141 Chemical ...
$165,448 Chemical ...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Chemical Process Development Engineer Is

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: $109,890
  • San Francisco: $108,680
  • Oakland: $106,390

Chemical Process Development Engineer I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Chemical Process Development Engineer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $97,583. While startup companies pay approximate $82,624.

Chemical Process Development Engineer I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$82,624
Growth Stage51~500$87,360
Established501~5000$94,254
Enterprise5000+$97,583

Chemical Process Development Engineer I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Chemical Process Development Engineer I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 120% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 60% above the average. In contrast, Chemical Process Development Engineer positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Chemical Process Development Engineer I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Chemical Process Development Engineer I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$139,392$67.060%
Pharmaceuticals$121,968$59.040%
Energy & Utilities$113,256$54.030%
Construction$108,900$52.025%
MFG Durable$104,544$50.020%

Chemical Process Development Engineer I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Chemical Process Development Engineer I'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 Process Development Engineer I Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Chemical Process Development Engineer I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Chemical Process Design Engineer II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $102,400 - a projected growth of 18% over your current level.

Salary Trends for Chemical Process Development Engineer I

Salaries for a Chemical Process Development Engineer I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $81,828 in 2023 to around $74,267 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Chemical Process Development Engineer I salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Chemical Process Development Engineer I Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$81,828
2024
$78,073
2025
$74,267
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $81,828
2024 $78,073
2025 $74,267
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Chemical Process Development Engineer I

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

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

Find Your Next Chemical Process Development Engineer I Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Chemical Process Development Engineer I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

United States
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FAQ about Chemical Process Development Engineer I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Chemical Process Development Engineer I?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Chemical Process Development Engineer I roles, with salaries approximately 60% above the market median.

2. What is a good salary for an engineer in USA?

A good salary for a Chemical Process Development Engineer in the USA typically ranges from $86,400 to $104,700 annually, with a median salary around $95,350. This reflects the competitive nature of the engineering field, where salaries can vary based on experience and location.

3. What is the average salary for a chemical engineer in the US?

The average salary for a Chemical Process Development Engineer in the US ranges from $86,400 to $104,700, with a midpoint salary of $95,350. These figures reflect the typical earnings in this field, providing a clear overview of potential compensation for professionals in this role.

4. How much do process development engineers make in the US?

Process Development Engineers in the US typically earn between $86,400 and $104,700 annually, with a median salary of around $95,350. This places them within a competitive salary range, reflecting their expertise in chemical process development.

5. Is Process Engineer a good career?

A career as a Chemical Process Development Engineer can be rewarding, with salaries ranging from $86,400 to $104,700, depending on experience and location. The role offers opportunities for innovation and problem-solving in the chemical industry, making it a strong choice for those interested in engineering and process optimization.

6. What is the richest type of engineer?

The richest type of engineer varies, but Chemical Process Development Engineers earn competitive salaries. Their salary ranges from a minimum of $86,400 to a mid-point of $95,350, with a maximum of $104,700. While other engineering fields like Petroleum and Aerospace may offer higher median salaries, Chemical Engineers still enjoy lucrative compensation.

7. Where do process engineers make the most money?

Process engineers can earn significant salaries in various cities across the United States. For instance, while the average salary for a Chemical Process Development Engineer ranges from $86,400 to $104,700, cities like Fremont, CA, offer even higher compensation, with reported salaries around $124,648. Other cities like Houston and Los Angeles also provide competitive salaries, making them attractive locations for process engineers.

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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