Chemical Engineers
Chemical engineers design equipment and develop manufacturing processes for producing chemicals and products like plastics, gasoline, detergents, and paper. They work in chemical plants, refineries, and manufacturing facilities, applying principles of chemistry, physics, and engineering to solve production problems and improve industrial processes.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against chemical engineers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
Chemical engineers spend time in laboratories running experiments, analyzing data from production systems, and documenting results. They also attend meetings to review project progress, consult with technicians on equipment operation, and use computer software to model chemical processes. Site visits to manufacturing floors help them observe equipment performance and identify optimization opportunities.
Who this work suits
Holland code RIC. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely enjoy solving technical problems through research and systematic testing, and prefer hands-on work with equipment and processes. If you're curious about how things work at a molecular level and comfortable with detailed analytical thinking, this work suits you well.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Chemical Engineer · Environmental Protection Agency · Multiple Locations · $93231–$158322
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | $110,420 | $158,190 | $189,260 | 160 |
| Virginia | $100,680 | $136,380 | $156,080 | 790 |
| Alabama | $96,820 | $135,030 | $141,840 | 600 |
| Louisiana | $105,860 | $134,800 | $164,800 | 730 |
| Delaware | $106,000 | $133,670 | $158,670 | 370 |
| Texas | $106,910 | $132,750 | $167,750 | 2,610 |
| West Virginia | $101,600 | $129,210 | $165,770 | 160 |
| New York | $89,440 | $129,060 | $145,670 | 540 |
| Washington | $104,300 | $128,290 | $164,630 | 650 |
| Oklahoma | $106,070 | $127,790 | $167,040 | 110 |
| Montana | $99,690 | $127,490 | $158,280 | 80 |
| Maryland | $96,210 | $127,190 | $156,750 | 500 |
All 41 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Chemical Engineer (CCE) — National Certification Commission in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
- Fundamentals of Engineering - Chemical (FE-C) — National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying
- Principles and Practice of Engineering - Chemical (PE-C) — National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying
- Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) — American Society for Quality
- EMC Design Engineer Senior (NCE) — Exemplar Global
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against chemical engineers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 17-2041.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.