Chemical Engineer

Your Fit

Income

$122K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

8.1%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Chemical Engineer?

A Chemical Engineer applies principles of chemistry, physics, biology, and engineering to solve problems involving the production or use of chemicals, fuel, drugs, food, and many other products. They design processes and equipment for large-scale manufacturing, plan and test production methods, and oversee the safe and efficient operation of facilities.

Sample job titles:

Chemical Engineer, Engineer, Process Engineer, Scientist

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Chemical Engineer.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Chemical Engineer earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$78K per year	$96K per year	$122K per year	$152K per year	$182K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $72K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Chemical Engineer do?

Work environment

Chemical Engineers typically work in laboratories, industrial plants, refineries, and other locations where they monitor or direct operations or solve onsite problems. The work can vary from office work for design and planning, to fieldwork in manufacturing settings. Safety is a priority due to the nature of working with hazardous materials.

Quick task list

Designs and develops chemical processes and equipment.
Conducts research to develop new and improved manufacturing processes.
Establishes safety procedures for those working with dangerous chemicals.
Evaluates equipment and processes to ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
Tests and monitors the performance of processes throughout production.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Process Engineering: Focusing on design, operation, control, and optimization of chemical processes.
Biochemical Engineering: Combining chemical engineering principles with biology to develop processes and products.
Materials Engineering: Developing new materials with specific properties for various applications.
Environmental Chemical Engineering: Concentrating on environmental issues like waste treatment and pollution reduction.
Pharmaceutical Engineering: Designing and developing processes for the production of drugs.

Description

Chemical Engineers are essential in transforming raw materials into valuable products. They combine knowledge of chemistry, physics, and engineering to develop efficient and sustainable processes. This career involves a significant amount of problem-solving and creativity, as engineers must design processes that are safe, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly.

The role requires a strong foundation in science and mathematics, as well as skills in analysis and project management. Chemical Engineers need to stay updated with technological and scientific advancements to continually improve processes and products.

Collaboration is a key part of this role, as these engineers often work in teams with other engineers and scientists. Communication skills are important, both for working within teams and for explaining complex concepts to non-engineers. This field offers diverse opportunities across various industries, including energy, pharmaceuticals, food and drink, and more.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

The ability to make significant contributions to many aspects of modern life through innovation and improvement of products and processes.
Opportunities for creative problem-solving and continuous learning.
The satisfaction of developing sustainable and environmentally responsible manufacturing practices.

You might make a good Chemical Engineer if you are...

Fascinated by chemistry and its practical applications in the real world.
A strong problem solver with analytical skills and attention to detail.
Interested in working on interdisciplinary projects that combine chemistry, physics, and engineering.
Committed to safety and environmental sustainability.
Adept at communication and teamwork.

Pros:

Diverse career opportunities in various industries.
High potential for innovation and impact in critical sectors like health, energy, and environment.
Competitive salaries and good job prospects.

Cons:

Potentially hazardous working conditions when dealing with dangerous chemicals.
Rigorous educational and training requirements.
Pressure to maintain safety standards and environmental compliance.

How to become a Chemical Engineer

Typical education

A bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or a related field is the minimum requirement, which is typically a 4-year program. Some engineers pursue a master's degree or Ph.D. for advanced positions, especially in research or academic settings.

High school preparation

Courses:

Advanced courses in Chemistry and Physics for a strong scientific foundation.
Mathematics, particularly calculus and algebra, for problem-solving and analysis.
Computer Science for data analysis and modeling skills.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in science fairs or clubs.
Internships or summer programs in engineering or related fields.
Joining robotics or environmental clubs to gain practical, hands-on experience.

Preparation after high school

Earning a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or a related field.
Pursuing internships in manufacturing, research labs, or industrial plants for practical experience.
Considering advanced degrees or certifications for specialized fields or research roles.

More resources

American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) - Offers resources and a community for chemical engineering professionals.
Chemical Engineering Magazine - Provides industry news, analysis, and job opportunities.
National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) - A resource for engineering licensure and ethics.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - Information on environmental regulations impacting chemical engineering.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - Resources on safety regulations in the workplace.

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