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Chemical Process Engineer III Salary in the United States

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

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Chemical Process Engineer III in the United States is $120,003 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $58.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $141,396
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $110,716 to $131,201
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $102,261

Key Factors That Influence Chemical Process Engineer III Salaries

A Chemical Process 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 Engineer III Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Chemical Process 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 Engineer I (0-2 years): $87,117
  • Chemical Process Engineer II (2-4 years): $102,323
  • Chemical Process Engineer III (4-7 years): $120,003
  • Chemical Process Engineer IV (7+ years): $142,141
  • Chemical Process Engineer V (7-10 years): $165,448
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Chemical Process Engineer I0-2 years$87,117
Chemical Process Engineer II2-4 years$102,323
Chemical Process Engineer III4-7 years$120,003
Chemical Process Engineer IV7+ years$142,141
Chemical Process Engineer V7-10 years$165,448

Top Paying Cities for Chemical Process Engineer III

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: $151,360
  • San Francisco: $149,703
  • Oakland: $146,548

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

Chemical Process Engineer III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $134,415. While startup companies pay approximate $113,809.

Chemical Process Engineer III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $113,809
Growth Stage 51~500 $120,334
Established 501~5000 $129,829
Enterprise 5000+ $134,415

Chemical Process Engineer III Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Chemical Process Engineer III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Chemical Process Engineer positions in Retail & Wholesale or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Chemical Process Engineer III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Chemical Process Engineer III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$144,004$69.020%
Energy & Utilities$144,004$69.020%
Financial Services$144,004$69.020%
Pharmaceuticals$144,004$69.020%
Software & Networking$144,004$69.020%

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

Understanding how a Chemical Process 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 August 01, 2026
$110,716
Average $120,003/year
$131,201
$9,226
Average $10,000/month
$10,933
$2,129
Average $2,308/week
$2,523
$53
Average $58/hour
$63
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $131,201 $10,933 $2,523 $63
Average $120,003 $10,000 $2,308 $58
25th Percentile $110,716 $9,226 $2,129 $53

Chemical Process Engineer III Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Chemical Process Engineer III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Chemical Process Engineer IV role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $142,141 - a projected growth of 18% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Chemical Process Engineer III

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

Common company salaries for Chemical Process Engineer III

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

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FAQ about Chemical Process Engineer III

1. Where can a Chemical Process Engineer III earn the most?

A Chemical Process Engineer III'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 Process Engineer III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Chemical Process Engineer III is $151,360.

2. What is the highest pay for Chemical Process Engineer III?

The highest pay for Chemical Process Engineer III is $141,396.

3. What is the lowest pay for Chemical Process Engineer III?

The lowest pay for Chemical Process Engineer III is $102,261.

4. What are the responsibilities of Chemical Process Engineer III?

Develops the systems, tools, processes, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) used to manufacture chemicals and chemical-based products for consumer and industrial use. Collaborates with manufacturing and R&D teams to design, test, develop and optimize scalable production processes and deploy equipment and instruments used in operations. Utilizes process simulation and engineering methodologies with a structured problem-solving approach to identify root causes and devise solutions for processing problems. Establishes and tracks production quality metrics. Monitors production operations for quality and performance to identify improvements to current process technology. Integrates safety and quality into processes by utilizing material handling and disposal best practices. Complies with all safety and environmental regulations. Requires a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering. Typically reports to a manager. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4 -7 years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Chemical Process Engineer III?

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Chemical Process Engineer III roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

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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