Chemical Engineer

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Work Tasks

CHEMICAL ENGINEERS solve problems involved in the production or use of chemicals. They work in the many phases of the production of chemicals and chemical products. Chemical engineers design equipment and develop processes for large scale chemical manufacturing, plan and test methods of manufacturing chemical products and treating their by-products, and supervise production. Chemical engineers also work in a variety of manufacturing industries other than chemical manufacturing, such as those producing electronics, photographic equipment, clothing, and pulp and paper. They also work in healthcare, biotechnology, and business services industries.

Salary, Size & Growth

• $89,000 average per year ($42.75 per hour)
• A medium occupation (28,700 workers in 2010)
• Expected to decline (0.2% per year)

Entry Requirements

A bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited engineering program is usually required for entry CHEMICAL ENGINEER positions. Graduate training is essential for engineering faculty positions. Many engineers obtain a master's degree to learn new technology, to broaden their education, and to enhance promotion opportunities. Registration may be required for chemical engineers. Registration requires a degree from an accredited engineering program, 4 years of relevant work experience, and a passing grade on two national examinations.