As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Chemical Engineer I in the United States is $83,607 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.
However, a Chemical Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Chemical 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Chemical 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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Engineer I | 0-2 years | $83,607 |
| Chemical Engineer II | 2-4 years | $97,232 |
| Chemical Engineer III | 4-7 years | $114,421 |
| Chemical Engineer IV | 7+ years | $138,329 |
| Chemical Engineer V | 7-10 years | $164,822 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Engineer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 5.91% |
| Design Engineering | 2.13% |
| Support Services | 1.89% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Decision Making
|
$91,968 |
10%
|
|
Consulting Services
|
$89,459 |
7%
|
|
Semiconductors
|
$89,459 |
7%
|
|
Product Design
|
$89,459 |
7%
|
|
Sustainability
|
$89,459 |
7%
|
|
Renewable Energy
|
$87,787 |
5%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Chemical Engineer Is enter the field with a Associate's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Chemical Engineer I with a Associate's Degree is between $81,116 and $85,865).
Chemical Engineer I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.4% |
| High School | 0.9% |
| Associates | 0.4% |
| Bachelors | 68.5% |
| Masters | 22.1% |
| Doctorate | 7.7% |
Understanding how a Chemical 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 May 01, 2026For a Chemical Engineer I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Chemical Engineer II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $97,232 - a projected growth of 16% over your current level.
Salaries for a Chemical 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 Engineer I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $81,828 |
| 2024 | $78,073 |
| 2025 | $74,267 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Chemical Engineer I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Chemical Engineer I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Chemical Engineer I is $105,454.
The highest pay for Chemical Engineer I is $97,595.
The lowest pay for Chemical Engineer I is $72,830.
Conducts research and development projects involving the study of chemical reactions and material properties to innovate and develop new products or optimize existing products. Designs experiments and builds prototypes and models used to investigate and support the development of improved chemicals, materials, products, and manufacturing processes. Compiles and analyzes testing data. Presents research results used to estimate costs, establish performance standards, identify solutions, and facilitate processes. Maintains lab and plant safety procedures for chemical storage, handling, transport, and disposal. Complies with all safety and environmental regulations. Requires a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.
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.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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