As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Chemical Engineering Manager in the United States is $148,099 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $71.
However, a Chemical Engineering Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Chemical Engineering Manager Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $161,417 | $13,451 | $3,104 | $78 |
| Average | $148,099 | $12,342 | $2,848 | $71 |
| 25th Percentile | $144,751 | $12,063 | $2,784 | $70 |
A Chemical Engineering Manager'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Chemical Engineering Manager'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 IV | 7+ years | $138,332 |
| Chemical Engineer V | 7-10 years | $164,841 |
| Chemical Engineer VI | 10-12 years | $190,094 |
| Chemical Engineering Manager | 12+ years | $148,099 |
| Chemical Engineering Director | 12+ years | $205,758 |
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 7.04% |
| Customer Satisfaction | 2.82% |
| Process Manufacturing | 2.82% |
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Chemical Engineering Manager's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Customer Satisfaction | $192,529 | |
| Resource Allocation | $180,681 | |
| New Product Development | $177,719 |
Chemical Engineering Manager salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $165,607. While startup companies pay approximate $140,206.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $140,206 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $148,242 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $159,949 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $165,607 |
Understanding how a Chemical Engineering Manager'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $161,417 | $13,451 | $3,104 | $78 |
| Average | $148,099 | $12,342 | $2,848 | $71 |
| 25th Percentile | $144,751 | $12,063 | $2,784 | $70 |
For a Chemical Engineering Manager, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Chemical Engineering Director role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $205,758 - a projected growth of 39% over your current level.
Salaries for a Chemical Engineering Manager can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $149,110 in 2023 to around $140,845 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Chemical Engineering Manager salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $149,110 |
| 2024 | $145,139 |
| 2025 | $140,845 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Chemical Engineering Manager'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 Manager earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Chemical Engineering Manager is $186,797.
The highest pay for Chemical Engineering Manager is $173,542.
The lowest pay for Chemical Engineering Manager is $141,703.
Manages research and development efforts to study the chemical reactions and properties of materials used for new products, product optimization, and innovation. Leads 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 a director. Manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1 - 3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes.
The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Chemical Engineering Manager roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.
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