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Chemical Process Development Engineer V Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Chemical Process Development Engineer V in the United States is $165,460 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $80.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $183,953
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $160,710 to $175,140
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $156,385

Key Factors That Influence Chemical Process Development Engineer V Salaries

A Chemical Process Development Engineer V'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 V'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 Development 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 Development Engineer V7-10 years$165,458
Chemical Process Design Engineering Manager10+ years$160,043

Top Paying Cities for Chemical Process Development Engineer Vs

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: $208,700
  • San Francisco: $206,410
  • Oakland: $202,060

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

Chemical Process Development Engineer V salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $185,021. While startup companies pay approximate $156,642.

Chemical Process Development Engineer V Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $156,642
Growth Stage 51~500 $165,619
Established 501~5000 $178,699
Enterprise 5000+ $185,021

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

For Chemical Process Development Engineer V roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 60% above the average. In contrast, Chemical Process Development Engineer positions in Telecom or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Chemical Process Development Engineer V as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Chemical Process Development Engineer V

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$264,736$127.060%
Biotechnology$231,644$111.040%
Aerospace & Defense$215,098$103.030%
Software & Networking$206,825$99.025%
Energy & Utilities$198,552$95.020%

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

Understanding how a Chemical Process Development Engineer V'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
$160,710
Average $165,460/year
$175,140
$13,393
Average $13,788/month
$14,595
$3,091
Average $3,182/week
$3,368
$77
Average $80/hour
$84
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $175,140 $14,595 $3,368 $84
Average $165,460 $13,788 $3,182 $80
25th Percentile $160,710 $13,393 $3,091 $77

Chemical Process Development Engineer V Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Chemical Process Development Engineer V, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Chemical Process Design Engineering Manager role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $160,100 - a projected growth of -3% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Chemical Process Development Engineer V

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

Common company salaries for Chemical Process Development Engineer V

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

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FAQ about Chemical Process Development Engineer V

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

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Chemical Process Development Engineer V roles, with salaries approximately 60% above the market median.

2. Who is the highest paid engineer in the United States?

The highest-paid engineering role in the United States is the Chemical Process Development Engineer, with a salary range from $164,930 to $201,690. The median salary for this position is approximately $182,660, making it a lucrative career choice within the engineering field.

3. Which engineers are most in demand in USA?

According to projections for 2025, some of the most in-demand engineering fields in the USA include Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science Engineering, Electronics and Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Chemical Engineering. Specifically, Chemical Process Development Engineers can expect salaries ranging from $164,930 to $201,690, with a median salary of $182,660.

4. Where do process operators make the most money?

Chemical Process Development Engineers can expect competitive salaries, with a minimum of $164,930, a mid-range salary of $182,660, and a maximum of $201,690. While specific city data for this role isn't provided, these figures indicate that the profession offers substantial earning potential across various locations.

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

Chemical Process Development Engineers in the US earn between $164,930 and $201,690 annually, with a median salary of $182,660. This is significantly higher than the national estimates for Chemical Plant and System Operators, who earn around $47,650 to $80,030 annually.

6. Where do process operators make the most money?

Chemical Process Development Engineers can expect salaries ranging from $164,930 to $201,690, with a median salary of $182,660. While specific city data for this role isn't provided, it's important to note that salaries can vary significantly based on location, experience, and industry demand.

7. What is the demand for chemical engineers in the US?

There are currently an estimated 20,800 chemical engineers in the United States. The job market for chemical engineers is expected to grow by 8.2% between 2022 and 2032. Salaries for Chemical Process Development Engineers range from a minimum of $164,930 to a mid-level of $182,660, with a maximum salary of $201,690.

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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