Chemical Engineering Technology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Chemical Engineering Technology is a hands-on, applied program designed to equip students with the technical expertise needed to support industrial chemical processes and systems. Graduates gain the practical knowledge and problem-solving abilities essential for roles in manufacturing, quality control, process optimization, and safety compliance across diverse sectors including pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, and environmental technology.
- Organic Chemistry: Explores the structure, properties, and reactions of carbon-based compounds, foundational for understanding pharmaceuticals, polymers, and fuels.
- Inorganic Chemistry: Focuses on the behavior and interactions of non-carbon-based substances, crucial for materials science and industrial catalyst development.
- Analytical Chemistry: Teaches methods for identifying and quantifying chemical components using laboratory techniques and instrumentation.
- Biochemistry: Investigates the chemical processes within living organisms, vital for biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and metabolic process design.
- Thermodynamics: Studies energy transfer and transformations in chemical systems, essential for process efficiency and equipment design.
- Fluid Mechanics: Examines the motion and forces of fluids, critical for designing pipelines, reactors, and separation systems.
- Industrial Processes: Provides insight into large-scale chemical production systems, including batch and continuous operations, automation, and system integration.
- Instrumental Analysis: Covers the use of advanced equipment such as chromatographs and spectrometers to analyze chemical composition and purity.
- Sampling and Monitoring: Trains students in proper techniques for collecting and assessing material samples to ensure product consistency and regulatory compliance.
- Chemical and Environmental Safety: Emphasizes risk assessment, hazard mitigation, and regulatory standards to ensure safe operations and environmental protection.
Chemical Engineering Technology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Chemical Engineering Technology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Chemical Engineering Technology degrees, including Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 64,410 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other 17-3029 | $77,390 | $47,010 - $114,630 | 64,410 | $37.21 |
Chemical Engineering Technology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $58,350 in Vermont to $109,120 in District of Columbia—a 87% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, New Mexico, and Maryland. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 64,410 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Chemical Engineering Technology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 6 institutions offering Chemical Engineering Technology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Chemical Engineering Technology is found at Roane State Community College (26 graduates), Chattanooga State Community College (23 graduates), University of Kentucky (UK) (9 graduates), South Arkansas College (SouthArk) (2 graduates), and University of Akron, Main Campus (2 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 63 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roane State Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
26 | Harriman, Tennessee | Public | roanestate.edu |
| Chattanooga State Community College |
Other Award
|
23 | Chattanooga, Tennessee | Public | chattanoogastate.edu |
| University of Kentucky (UK) |
Other Award
|
9 | Lexington, Kentucky | Public | uky.edu |
| South Arkansas College (SouthArk) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
2 | El Dorado, Arkansas | Public | southark.edu |
| University of Akron |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
2 | Akron, Ohio | Public | uakron.edu |
| United States Military Academy (USMA) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | West Point, New York | Public | westpoint.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Chemical Engineering Technology programs
How much can I earn with a Chemical Engineering Technology degree?
Salaries for Chemical Engineering Technology graduates vary by role and location. Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other earn a median of $77,390 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $109,120 compared to $58,350 in Vermont. Approximately 64,410 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Chemical Engineering Technology programs?
Currently 6 accredited institutions offer Chemical Engineering Technology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Roane State Community College (26 graduates), Chattanooga State Community College (23 graduates), and University of Kentucky (UK) (9 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Chemical Engineering Technology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 5 in 2010 to 63 in 2023-24. This represents a 1,160% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Chemical Engineering Technology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other. Related occupations employ approximately 64,410 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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