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Chemical Engineering Employment to Grow to 2032
The future looks bright for chemical engineers just entering the field and those with years of experience.
2 Min Read
The outlook includes a list of states with mean wages for each.Image courtesy of Robert Essel NYC / The Image Bank via Getty Images
The chemical engineering field is expected to grow 8% through 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
About 1,300 openings for chemical engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Chemical engineers usually must hold a bachelor’s degree in chem engineering or a similar field. The job includes using chemistry, physics, and engineering to design equipment and processes for manufacturing products in various applications including oil and gas, food and beverage, paints and coatings, waste treatment, and more. Nearly every industry in the world today has a chemical process behind it in some way.
The most recent report from BLS says that there were 20,380 employed in the chemical engineering field in the nation with a mean annual wage of $117,820 in 2022.
Industries with Highest Employment
Chemical Manufacturing: 5,500 employed, $119,350 annual wage
Petroleum & Coal Products Manufacturing: 850 employed, $138,830 annual wage
Pipeline Transportation of Crude Oil: 70 employed, $159,800 annual wage
Pharmaceutical / Medical Manufacturing: 1,170 employed, $99,350 annual wage
Scientific R&D Services: 2,550 employed, $120,990 annual wage
Top Paying Industries
Oil & Gas Extraction: 130 employed, $165,370 annual wage
Pipeline Transportation of Crude Oil: 70 employed, 159,800 annual wage
Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods: 30 employed, 153,290 annual wage
Petroleum & Coal Products Manufacturing: 850 employed, $138,830 annual wage
Waste Treatment & Disposal: 70 employed, $136,550 annual wage
Chemical Engineer Employment & Wage by State
The top 5 states with the highest level of employment are: Texas, Pennsylvania, Ohio, California, and Michigan.
As far as pay, 5 states reached the top: Texas, New Mexico, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Michigan. Here is the full list of states with mean wages:
Alabama: $108,770
Alaska: $108,770
Arizona: $124,800
Arkansas: $98,070
California: $117,900
Colorado: $110,310
Connecticut: $113,730
Delaware: $124,950
Florida: $109,130
Georgia: $114,640
Hawaii: no information
Idaho: no information
Illinois: $111,620
Iowa: $103,880
Indiana: $94,250
Kansas: $95,370
Kentucky: $99,910
Louisiana: $134,310
Maine: $103,370
Maryland: $130,180
Massachusetts: $113,190
Michigan: $112,200
Minnesota: $97,830
Mississippi: $111,840
Missouri: $98,230
Montana: $100,970
Nebraska: $96,700
New Hampshire: $91,850
New Jersey: $125,450
New Mexico: $148,010
Nevada: $106,540
New York: $113,900
North Carolina: $101,050
North Dakota: $115,930
Ohio: $102,160
Oklahoma: $131,020
Oregon: $93,240
Pennsylvania: $109,720
Puerto Rico: $87,090
Rhode Island: $99,470
South Carolina: $96,500
South Dakota: no information
Tennessee: $109,740
Texas: $148,150
Utah: $77,700
Vermont: no information
Virginia: $98,630
Washington: $119,810
West Virginia: $96,780
Wisconsin: $93,180
Wyoming: $124,120
Data for 2023 will be coming out in mid-2024 and will be published on Powder & Bulk Solids as well.
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