Chemical Engineering Director Salary in the United States

How much does a Chemical Engineering Director make in the United States? (2025)

As of November 01, 2025, the average salary for a Chemical Engineering Director in the United States is $201,473 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $97.

However, a Chemical Engineering Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $218,764
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $191,869 to $210,524
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $183,125
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View as table View as graph 25% $191,869 10% $183,125 90% $218,764 75% $210,524 $201,473 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Chemical Engineering Director Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $210,524 $17,544 $4,049 $101
Average $201,473 $16,789 $3,874 $97
25th Percentile $191,869 $15,989 $3,690 $92
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Key Factors That Influence Chemical Engineering Director Salaries

A Chemical Engineering Director'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 Engineering Director Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Chemical Engineering Director'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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $197,863
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $198,297
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $199,312
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $200,471
  • Expert (over 8 years): $201,756
Levels Salary
Entry Level Chemical Engineering Director $197,863
Intermediate Level Chemical Engineering Director $198,297
Senior Level Chemical Engineering Director $199,312
Specialist Level Chemical Engineering Director $200,471
Expert Level Chemical Engineering Director $201,756
$197,863 0 yr
$198,297 < 2 yrs
$199,312 2-4 yrs
$200,471 5-8 yrs
$201,756 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

Chemical Engineering Director Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Chemical Engineering Director'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 November 01, 2025

Salary Trends for Chemical Engineering Directors

Salaries for a Chemical Engineering Director can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $195,679 in 2023 to around $187,579 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Chemical Engineering Director salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Chemical Engineering Director Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$195,679
2024
$192,424
2025
$187,579
2026
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $195,679
2024 $192,424
2025 $187,579
2026
View More

Chemical Engineering Director bonus and incentive rates

Based on HR-reported data: a national average with a geographic differential
Base Salary 61.6%
Bonuses 13.6%
Social Security 4.3%
401k/403b 3.2%
Disability 1.5%
Healthcare 2.6%
Pension 4.1%
Time Off 9.3%
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Core Compensation
Median % of Total
Base Salary $201,473 61.6%
Bonus $44,453 13.6%
Value of Benefits
Median % of Total
Social Security $14,019 4.3%
401K/403B $10,329 3.2%
Disability $4,919 1.5%
Healthcare $8,352 2.6%
Pension $13,280 4.1%
Time Off $30,268 9.3%
Total Compensation $327,093 100%
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Most common benefits for Chemical Engineering Director

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Chemical Engineering Director

Here are companies hiring for Chemical Engineering Director and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Chemical Engineering Director

1. Where can a Chemical Engineering Director earn the most?

A Chemical Engineering Director'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 Engineering Director earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Chemical Engineering Director is $254,118.

2. What is the highest pay for Chemical Engineering Director?

The highest pay for Chemical Engineering Director is $218,764.

3. What is the lowest pay for Chemical Engineering Director?

The lowest pay for Chemical Engineering Director is $183,125.

4. What are the responsibilities of Chemical Engineering Director?

Directs research and development efforts to study the chemical reactions and properties of materials used for new products, product optimization, and innovation. Oversees research studies, experimentation, and testing to evaluate and analyze the materials, processes, and protocols required for product development and manufacturing. Develops and optimizes manufacturing procedures and processes that follow best practices. Establishes rigorous engineering-based methodologies used for analysis and process development. Ensures all operations follow environmental, safety, regulatory and quality regulations. Typically requires a master's degree in chemical engineering. Typically reports to senior management. Manages a departmental sub-function within a broader departmental function. Creates functional strategies and specific objectives for the sub-function and develops budgets/policies/procedures to support the functional infrastructure. Typically requires 5+ years of managerial experience. Deep knowledge of the managed sub-function and solid knowledge of the overall departmental function.

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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