As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lead Chemical Process Engineer in the United States is $82,454 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.
However, a Lead Chemical Process Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Lead Chemical Process Engineer'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 Lead Chemical Process Engineer'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Lead Chem... Level Lead Chemical Process Engineer | $81,918 |
| Chemical ... Level Lead Chemical Process Engineer | $95,260 |
| Chemical ... Level Lead Chemical Process Engineer | $112,098 |
| Chemical ... Level Lead Chemical Process Engineer | $135,519 |
| Chemical ... Level Lead Chemical Process Engineer | $161,457 |
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 Lead Chemical Process Engineers. 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
|
$90,699 |
10%
|
|
Consulting Services
|
$88,225 |
7%
|
|
Semiconductors
|
$88,225 |
7%
|
|
Product Design
|
$88,225 |
7%
|
|
Sustainability
|
$88,225 |
7%
|
|
Renewable Energy
|
$86,576 |
5%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Lead Chemical Process Engineers 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 Lead Chemical Process Engineer with a Associate's Degree is between $81,116 and $85,865).
Lead Chemical Process Engineer 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 Lead Chemical Process Engineer'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 January 01, 2026Salaries for a Lead Chemical Process Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $80,167 in 2023 to around $72,760 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Lead Chemical Process Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $80,167 |
| 2024 | $76,488 |
| 2025 | $72,760 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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|
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