Chemical engineering graduates can access careers in many industries, including healthcare, life sciences, and manufacturing. Here, we look more closely at the chemical engineering degree jobs available to give you an idea of what to expect.
What’s it like to work in chemical engineering?
Chemical engineering degree jobs look different depending on the role and industry. Students and professionals can work in a chemical engineering subfield, such as biological engineering. Chemical engineers work in the following subfields:
Biochemical engineeringEnvironmental engineeringMaterials engineeringNanomaterials engineeringNuclear engineeringPharmaceutical engineeringProcess engineeringProduction engineeringPetroleum engineeringPlastics engineering
The American Chemical Society states that chemical engineers design and manage chemical processes for manufacturing products. Responsibilities vary among industries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the leading industry employers of chemical engineers in 2020 were:
Engineering servicesResearch and development in physical, engineering, and life sciencesPetroleum and coal products manufacturingWholesale tradePharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing
In May 2020, chemical engineers earned median annual wages of $108,540, the BLS reported. Chemical engineering allows for remote work, but you may also work in offices, laboratories, manufacturing plants, and refineries. Chemical engineers work with other engineers and manufacturing professionals. You can boost your career with advanced chemical engineering degrees, experience, and professional licensure.
Careers for chemical engineering majors after graduation
The chemical engineering discipline contains many subfields and professions. Depending on the level and focus of your training, you may pursue the following chemical engineering degree jobs.
Chemical engineer
Minimum degree level required: Bachelor’s degreeSalary expectations: $108,540 median annual salaryAlternate job titles: Process engineer, process development engineers biochemical engineer, pharmaceutical engineer Important qualities:
Analytical and investigativeProblem-solvers Observant and detail-orientedInterested in math and science Creative and innovative
Chemical engineers design equipment and processes for the manufacturing and production industries. They ensure chemical handling and reactions are done safely and achieve the appropriate results. They also help develop new chemical products.
Chemical engineering professor
Minimum degree level required: Doctoral degreeSalary expectations: $103,600 median annual salaryAlternate job titles: Engineering teacher, chemical engineering faculty, chemical engineering researcher Important qualities:
Resourceful critical thinkersInterpersonal and good communicators Open-minded and investigativeWell-rounded experience in chemical engineering
Chemical engineering professors teach aspiring chemical engineers in colleges and universities. They create lessons and curricula, assess student knowledge and progress, conduct research, and publish findings.
Chemist
Minimum degree level required: Bachelor’s degreeSalary expectations: $79,300 median annual wage Alternate job titles: Materials scientist, analytical chemist, medicinal chemist, physical chemist Important qualities:
Analytical problem-solversInterpersonal and good communicatorsMath and science interestsOrganized time managers
Chemists research and study chemicals, substances, and products. They test the safety of products, develop new products, and design processes and procedures for scientists and production professionals. Chemists can specialize in areas like green, forensic, organic, or inorganic chemistry.
Development engineer
Minimum degree level required: Bachelor’s degreeSalary expectations: $111,707Alternate job titles: Research and development engineer, product and development engineer Important qualities:
Analytical and critical thinkersProblem-solvers with attention to detailTime management skillsProcess-oriented leaders
These engineers research, design, develop, and test products for manufacturing. They resolve any product or process issues and help make improvements. They also lay out the proper procedures for the manufacturing processes.
Engineering manager
Minimum degree level required: Bachelor’s degreeSalary expectations: $149,530 median annual wageAlternate job titles: Chief engineer, operations manager, product manager, engineering project manager Important qualities:
Leaders with strong communication skillsAnalytical problem-solversOrganized and detail-orientedInterests and strengths in math and science
Engineering managementinvolves overseeing a team of engineers and your employer’s projects. These professionals manage budgets, staffing, policies, and processes. They also lead the research and development of new products and processes.
Environmental engineer
Minimum degree level required: Bachelor’s degreeSalary expectations: $92,120 median annual salaryAlternate job titles: Environmental quality engineer, environmental consultant, green engineer Important qualities:
Imaginative problem-solvers Good communicators with interpersonal skillsInterested in environmental healthProficient in math and science
Environmental engineers look for solutions to environmental issues, such as waste disposal, recycling, and pollution. They perform tests and quality checks for compliance and regulation adherence. They also develop processes and procedures for organizations that could impact the environment.
Field service engineer
Minimum degree level required: Bachelor’s degreeSalary expectations: $70,131 median annual wageAlternate job titles: Field engineer, field application engineer Important qualities:
Troubleshooting and maintenanceStrong communication and interpersonal skillsAnalytical problem-solvers
Field service engineers work onsite and troubleshoot technical issues with equipment. They install and test new equipment, research issues, and perform maintenance on equipment. They also provide guidance and procedure information on new equipment and processes.
Materials scientist
Minimum degree level required: Bachelor’s degreeSalary expectations: $99,460 median annual wageAlternate job titles: Chemist, ceramic scientist, glass scientist, metal scientist, nanomaterials scientist Important qualities:
Analytical problem-solversOrganized time managersInterpersonal and strong communicationMath and science interests
Materials scientists study specific materials’ properties and look for applications. They help develop products and identify new mixtures and processes using the materials.
Process control engineer
Minimum degree level required: Bachelor’s degreeSalary expectations: $108,540 median annual salaryAlternate job titles: Chemical engineer, process engineer, process development engineer Important qualities:
Analytical and creativeInterpersonal with strong communication skillsInterested in mathematics and scienceIngenious problem-solvers
Process control engineers specialize in specific chemical processes, often in manufacturing. For example, they might work with oxidation or polymerization. They ensure chemical mixtures and reactions are controlled safely and productively.
Project engineer
Minimum degree level required: Bachelor’s degreeSalary expectations: $70,698 median annual salaryAlternate job titles: Engineering project manager, field engineer, lead project engineer Important qualities:
Analytical problem-solversLeaders with strong interpersonal and communication skillsOrganized and detail-orientedMotivated with decision-making skills
Project engineers oversee projects and their respective teams. They organize tasks, prepare and plan processes, and create schedules and budgets. Project engineers also monitor activities and ensure employees follow safety standards and guidelines.
Refinery process engineer
Minimum degree level required: Bachelor’s degreeSalary expectations: $137,330 median annual salaryAlternate job titles: Petroleum engineer, production engineer, completions engineer Important qualities:
Analytical and creative Problem-solversInterpersonal communicators and leaders Math and science interests
These engineers develop new equipment and processes to refine oil and raw materials. They ensure the processes can be completed safely, effectively, and in line with public health standards and guidelines. Data is drawn from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics unless otherwise noted.
