Texas tech capital — Tesla, Oracle, Apple — booming. Here's how Chemical Engineers in Austin get paid in 2026.
How pay scales with career stage in the Austin metro market.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $100,500 | $76,400 | $130,700 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $125,000 | $95,000 | $162,500 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $143,700 | $109,200 | $186,800 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $172,400 | $131,000 | $224,100 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $195,400 | $148,500 | $254,000 |
Highest-paying metros for Chemical Engineers — useful if you're weighing a relocation.
Top occupations by median pay across the Austin metro economy.
The average Chemical Engineer salary in the Austin metro is $143,700 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $109,200 to $186,800 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $237,100 or more.
Yes — Austin pays -3% relative to the Texas state median for Chemical Engineers. Major metros typically concentrate higher-paying employers and command a wage premium over rural and small-city areas in the same state.
Austin vs. national: +15%. That puts Austin among the stronger US markets for Chemical Engineers — though cost of living in Austin is also typically elevated.
In Austin, the median Chemical Engineer salary of $143,700 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level Chemical Engineers in Austin start around $100,500, while seniors (10+ years) reach $172,400 or more.
Metro medians are useful benchmarks — but your exact number depends on your experience, education, and the specific employer. Run the free calculator for a personalized read.
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