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Chemical Process Development Engineer III Salary in the United States

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

As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Chemical Process Development Engineer III in the United States is $119,980 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $58.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $141,377
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $110,710 to $131,180
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $102,270
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View as table View as graph 25% $110,710 10% $102,270 90% $141,377 75% $131,180 $119,980 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Chemical Process Development Engineer III Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $131,180 $10,932 $2,523 $63
Average $119,980 $9,998 $2,307 $58
25th Percentile $110,710 $9,226 $2,129 $53
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Key Factors That Influence Chemical Process Development Engineer III Salaries

A Chemical Process Development 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 Development Engineer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Chemical Process Development 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): $87,127
  • Chemical Process Design Engineer II (2-4 years): $102,318
  • Chemical Process Development Engineer III (4-7 years): $119,975
  • Chemical Process Design Engineer IV (7+ years): $142,143
  • Chemical Process Design Engineer V (7-10 years): $165,409
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Chemical Process Design Engineer I0-2 years$87,127
Chemical Process Design Engineer II2-4 years$102,318
Chemical Process Development Engineer III4-7 years$119,975
Chemical Process Design Engineer IV7+ years$142,143
Chemical Process Design Engineer V7-10 years$165,409
$87,127 Chemical ...
$102,318 Chemical ...
$119,975 Chemical ...
$142,143 Chemical ...
$165,409 Chemical ...
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What Am I Worth?

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

  • District of Columbia: $132,840.
  • California: $132,340.
  • Massachusetts: $130,570.

Top Paying Cities for Chemical Process Development 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: $151,330
  • San Francisco: $149,840
  • Oakland: $146,520

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

Understanding how a Chemical Process Development 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 April 01, 2026

Chemical Process Development Engineer III Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Chemical Process Development 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 19% over your current level.

Salary Trends for Chemical Process Development Engineer III

Salaries for a Chemical Process Development 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 Development Engineer III salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Chemical Process Development 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 Development Engineer III

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

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

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

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FAQ about Chemical Process Development Engineer III

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

Process Development Engineers in the US earn between $116,020 and $143,460 annually, with a median salary of $129,120. This reflects a competitive salary range, indicating that experienced professionals can expect to earn a substantial income in this field.

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

Chemical Process Development Engineers in the US earn between $116,020 and $143,460 annually, with a median salary of $129,120. In contrast, Chemical Plant and System Operators have a lower salary range, earning around $47,650 to $80,030 annually, with a median of $80,030.

3. What is the highest paying state for chemical operators?

The salary data for Chemical Process Development Engineers indicates a competitive pay range, with a minimum salary of $116,020, a mid-range salary of $129,120, and a maximum salary of $143,460. This suggests that Chemical Operators can expect significantly higher earnings compared to the average salaries reported for operators in various states.

4. How much is a Chemical Engineer paid in USA?

The estimated total pay for a Chemical Process Development Engineer in the USA ranges from $116,020 to $143,460 per year, with a mid-salary of $129,120. These figures reflect the salary range based on industry data and represent the typical earnings for this role.

5. What is a process engineer vs chemical engineer?

A process engineer and a chemical engineer both work on designing and optimizing production processes. However, chemical engineering is specifically centered on chemicals and chemical products, while process engineering covers a wider range of industries. The salary for a Chemical Process Development Engineer typically ranges from $116,020 to $143,460, with a midpoint of $129,120.

6. Which Chemical Engineer has highest salary?

The highest salary for a Chemical Process Development Engineer is $143,460. In comparison, other roles such as senior process engineer earn around $30.0 lakhs per year, while chemical process engineers make approximately $24.0 lakhs. Overall, the salary range for this position is between $116,020 and $143,460, with a midpoint of $129,120.

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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