As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry Level Chemical Engineer in District of Columbia is $78,445 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.
However, an Entry Level Chemical Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Entry Level Chemical 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Entry Level Chemical 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 |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Entry Level Chemical Engineer | $76,166 |
| Intermediate Level Entry Level Chemical Engineer | $76,434 |
| Senior Level Entry Level Chemical Engineer | $79,756 |
| Specialist Level Entry Level Chemical Engineer | $83,345 |
| Expert Level Entry Level Chemical Engineer | $83,601 |
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 Entry Level Chemical Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
For Entry Level Chemical Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 35% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Entry Level Chemical Engineer positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Entry Level Chemical Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $94,134 | $45.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $90,212 | $43.0 | 15% |
| Internet | $86,290 | $41.0 | 10% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $86,290 | $41.0 | 10% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $82,367 | $40.0 | 5% |
Understanding how an Entry Level Chemical 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 August 01, 2026Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Entry Level Chemical Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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