Chemical Engineer Career Path And Overview
Chemical engineers design and optimize processes for the production of various chemicals, materials, and energy.
They apply principles of chemistry, physics, and mathematics to develop efficient methods for large-scale manufacturing and ensure the safety and environmental sustainability of these processes.
Additionally, chemical engineers play a crucial role in researching and developing new technologies to improve existing products or create innovative solutions in areas such as pharmaceuticals, food production, and renewable energy.
| Designing and optimizing chemical processes for manufacturing. |
| Conducting research to develop new materials and technologies. |
| Ensuring safety and environmental compliance in production processes. |
| Troubleshooting and improving existing manufacturing methods. |
| Collaborating with scientists and other engineers on projects. |
| Developing and implementing quality control procedures. |
| Evaluating the economic feasibility of production processes. |
| Designing and overseeing pilot plant operations for testing. |
| Analyzing data and conducting experiments to optimize processes. |
| Managing and supervising production teams. |
| Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. |
| Attention to detail and precision in design and construction. |
| Effective communication and teamwork. |
| Project management and organizational skills. |
| Adaptability and flexibility in handling diverse challenges. |
| Knowledge of engineering software and technology. |
| Ethical and responsible decision-making. |
| Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines. |
| Understanding of environmental and safety regulations. |
| Continuous learning and staying updated on industry advancements. |
| Min | Median | Max |
|---|---|---|
| $72,490 | $106,260 | $171,400 |
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), chemical engineers earned a median annual wage of $106,260 in May 2022. i.e. half of chemical engineers earned below $106,260 and half earned above that.
The lowest 10% chemical engineers earned less than $72,490 and the highest 10% earned more than $171,400.
It's important to note that these figures represent national median values and can vary based on factors such as location, industry, experience, and education level.
| Education Level | Major | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's Degree | Chemical Engineering | Required |
| Master's Degree | Chemical Engineering | Required for specialized fields |
| Ph.D. Degree | Chemical Engineering | Required for research and academia |
Chemical engineers usually need at least a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or a closely related field. Many entry-level positions require this level of education. Some advanced or specialized roles, especially those in research or academia, may require a master's or doctoral degree in chemical engineering or a related discipline.
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) |
| Stanford University |
| University of California--Berkeley |
| California Institute of Technology (Caltech) |
| Princeton University |
| University of Illinois--Urbana-Champaign |
| Carnegie Mellon University |
| University of Michigan--Ann Arbor |
| University of Texas--Austin |
| Georgia Institute of Technology |
| Certification or License | Provider |
|---|---|
| Professional Engineer (PE) in Chemical Engineering | National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) |
| Certified Chemical Process Safety Professional (CCPSC) | American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) |
| Certified Process Safety Professional (CSP) | Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) |
| Certified Energy Manager (CEM) | Association of Energy Services Professionals (AESP) |
| Project Management Professional (PMP) | Project Management Institute (PMI) |
| Six Sigma Green Belt | Various organizations offering Six Sigma certification |
| Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) | Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM) |
| Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) | American Society for Quality (ASQ) |
| Certified Environmental Professional (CEP) | National Association of Environmental Professionals (NAEP) |
| Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) | International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC)² |