Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering is an advanced interdisciplinary field focused on solving complex challenges at the intersection of chemistry, biology, and engineering. This program equips students with the analytical and design skills needed to innovate at the molecular scale, driving breakthroughs in healthcare, biotechnology, and sustainable manufacturing.
- Chemical Engineering Principles: Core methodologies for analyzing and optimizing material and energy flows in industrial processes.
- Thermodynamics: The study of energy transformations and equilibrium states in chemical and biological systems.
- Organic Chemistry: In-depth understanding of carbon-based compounds and their reactivity in biological and synthetic contexts.
- Biochemistry: Exploration of the molecular mechanisms underlying cellular function, including enzyme kinetics and metabolic pathways.
- Momentum and Heat Transfer: Engineering analysis of fluid dynamics and thermal energy transport in bioreactors and processing systems.
- Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology: Techniques for manipulating biological systems at the genetic and cellular level to develop novel therapies and materials.
- Process Design: Systematic development of scalable, efficient, and safe procedures for manufacturing biopharmaceuticals and biomaterials.
- Chemical Reactor Design: Application of engineering models to optimize reaction conditions for high-yield, selective molecular synthesis.
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering degrees, including Architectural and Engineering Managers, Chemical Engineers and Engineers, 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 443,190 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural and Engineering Managers 11-9041 | $167,740 | $111,450 - $239,200 | 210,340 | $80.64 |
| Chemical Engineers 17-2041 | $121,860 | $78,520 - $182,150 | 20,330 | $58.59 |
| Engineers, All Other 17-2199 | $117,750 | $62,840 - $183,510 | 150,750 | $56.61 |
| Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers 17-2031 | $106,950 | $71,860 - $165,060 | 21,860 | $51.42 |
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1032 | $106,120 | $59,790 - $200,650 | 39,910 | N/A |
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $98,942 in Nebraska to $146,370 in California—a 48% difference. The highest-paying states include California, New Mexico, and District of Columbia. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 443,190 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 and Biomolecular Engineering by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 16 institutions offering Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering 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 and Biomolecular Engineering is found at University of Chicago (UChicago) (102 graduates), University of Pennsylvania (Penn) (68 graduates), Stony Brook University (SBU) (41 graduates), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) (19 graduates), and Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) (16 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 297 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Chicago (UChicago) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
102 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | uchicago.edu |
| University of Pennsylvania (Penn) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
68 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | upenn.edu |
| Stony Brook University (SBU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
41 | Stony Brook, New York | Public | stonybrook.edu |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) |
Bachelor's
|
19 | Cambridge, Massachusetts | Private | web.mit.edu |
| Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) |
Bachelor's
|
16 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Private | msoe.edu |
| Tulane University of Louisiana |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
14 | New Orleans, Louisiana | Private | tulane.edu |
| Thomas Jefferson University |
Master's
|
11 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | jefferson.edu |
| Lehigh University |
Master's
|
6 | Bethlehem, Pennsylvania | Private | lehigh.edu |
| Miami University |
Master's
|
5 | Oxford, Ohio | Public | miamioh.edu |
| University of Washington (UW) |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Seattle, Washington | Public | washington.edu |
| Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
4 | Richmond, Virginia | Public | vcu.edu |
| Holmes Community College |
Associate's
|
2 | Goodman, Mississippi | Public | holmescc.edu |
| University of South Alabama (USA) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
1 | Mobile, Alabama | Public | southalabama.edu |
| Colorado State University (CSU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Fort Collins, Colorado | Public | colostate.edu |
| University of Nebraska (UNL) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
1 | Lincoln, Nebraska | Public | unl.edu |
| Ohio University (OHIO) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Athens, Ohio | Public | ohio.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering programs
How much can I earn with a Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering degree?
Salaries for Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering graduates vary by role and location. Architectural and Engineering Managers earn a median of $167,740 annually, while Chemical Engineers earn around $121,860. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $146,370 compared to $98,942 in Nebraska. Approximately 443,190 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 and Biomolecular Engineering programs?
Currently 16 accredited institutions offer Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Chicago (UChicago) (102 graduates), University of Pennsylvania (Penn) (68 graduates), and Stony Brook University (SBU) (41 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 and Biomolecular Engineering growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 44 in 2010 to 297 in 2023-24. This represents a 575% 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 and Biomolecular Engineering degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Architectural and Engineering Managers, Chemical Engineers, and Engineers, All Other. Related occupations employ approximately 443,190 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.
Related Engineering Programs
Explore similar degree programs within the Engineering field. These programs share the same academic discipline and may offer complementary skills and career pathways.
Architectural Engineering
A program that prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of materials, systems, and methods...
Biomedical Engineering
A program that prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of biomedical and health systems...
Ceramic Sciences and Engineering
A program that prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of inorganic non-metallic materials, such...
Chemical Engineering
A program that prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of systems employing chemical processes,...
Chemical Engineering
Any instructional program in chemical engineering not listed above.
Civil Engineering
A program that generally prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of structural, load-bearing, material...