As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Chemical Process Engineer III in California is $132,332 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $64.
However, a Chemical Process Engineer III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Chemical Process Engineer III Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $144,686 | $12,057 | $2,782 | $70 |
| Average | $132,332 | $11,028 | $2,545 | $64 |
| 25th Percentile | $122,107 | $10,176 | $2,348 | $59 |
Applied Materials - Santa Clara, CA
Harris Group - Thousand Oaks, CA
Harris Group - Lafayette, CA
University of Vermont Health - Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital - PLATTSBURGH, NY
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.
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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Process Engineer I | 0-2 years | $96,101 |
| Chemical Process Engineer II | 2-4 years | $112,857 |
| Chemical Process Engineer III | 4-7 years | $132,332 |
| Chemical Process Engineer IV | 7+ years | $156,784 |
| Chemical Process Engineer V | 7-10 years | $182,446 |
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 Process Engineer IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $144,686 | $12,057 | $2,782 | $70 |
| Average | $132,332 | $11,028 | $2,545 | $64 |
| 25th Percentile | $122,107 | $10,176 | $2,348 | $59 |
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 $156,784 - a projected growth of 18% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Chemical Process Engineer III job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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