Oil & gas, pharma, materials. Texas and Louisiana drive the petroleum side.
Pay scales steeply with tenure for Chemical Engineers. National figures, before regional adjustments.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (0–1 yr) | $87,600 | $68,300 | $112,900 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $108,900 | $84,900 | $140,300 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $125,200 | $97,600 | $161,300 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $150,200 | $117,100 | $193,500 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $170,200 | $132,700 | $219,300 |
Top 10 states by median Chemical Engineer salary in 2026.
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington DC | $175,300 | $133,200 | $227,800 | +40% |
| New York | $166,500 | $126,500 | $216,400 | +33% |
| California | $162,700 | $123,700 | $211,600 | +30% |
| Massachusetts | $162,700 | $123,700 | $211,600 | +30% |
| Washington | $162,700 | $123,700 | $211,600 | +30% |
| Connecticut | $151,500 | $115,100 | $196,900 | +21% |
| Maryland | $150,200 | $114,200 | $195,300 | +20% |
| New Jersey | $150,200 | $114,200 | $195,300 | +20% |
| Texas | $147,700 | $112,300 | $192,000 | +18% |
| Colorado | $146,500 | $111,300 | $190,400 | +17% |
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | $106,400 | $80,900 | $138,300 | -15% |
| Kentucky | $106,400 | $80,900 | $138,300 | -15% |
| North Dakota | $105,200 | $79,900 | $136,700 | -16% |
| Oklahoma | $105,200 | $79,900 | $136,700 | -16% |
| Wyoming | $105,200 | $79,900 | $136,700 | -16% |
| Alabama | $103,900 | $79,000 | $135,100 | -17% |
| Arkansas | $100,100 | $76,100 | $130,200 | -20% |
| South Dakota | $100,100 | $76,100 | $130,200 | -20% |
| Mississippi | $97,600 | $74,200 | $126,900 | -22% |
| West Virginia | $97,600 | $74,200 | $126,900 | -22% |
Metro-level pay frequently outpaces state averages — major metros concentrate higher wages.
Click any state for detailed breakdown by experience level and percentile.
The median is just a benchmark. Your exact market value also depends on your state, experience, and education. Use the free calculator for a personalized number.
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