Chemical Engineering: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Chemical engineering is a dynamic discipline focused on transforming raw materials into valuable products through the application of scientific principles, engineering design, and process optimization. This field integrates chemistry, physics, mathematics, and economics to solve complex industrial challenges across sectors such as energy, pharmaceuticals, materials, and environmental technology.
- Thermodynamics: The study of energy transfer and conversion within systems, essential for predicting how processes will behave under varying conditions.
- Fluid Mechanics: The analysis of fluid flow in pipelines, reactors, and processing equipment, critical for designing efficient transport and separation systems.
- Mass and Energy Balances: Fundamental accounting tools used to track material and energy inputs and outputs in chemical processes to ensure efficiency and safety.
- Reaction Engineering: The design and optimization of chemical reactors to maximize yield, selectivity, and safety in chemical transformations.
- Process Control and Dynamics: The implementation of feedback systems and automation to maintain stability and performance in industrial processes.
- Separation Processes: Techniques such as distillation, extraction, and membrane filtration used to purify and isolate components from mixtures.
- Materials Science and Engineering: The study of material properties and behavior under process conditions, vital for selecting durable and functional components.
- Environmental and Sustainable Engineering: Approaches to minimize waste, reduce emissions, and develop greener technologies that support long-term industrial sustainability.
Chemical Engineering Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Chemical Engineering Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Chemical Engineering degrees, including Architectural and Engineering Managers, Chemical Engineers and Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary. 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 270,580 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 |
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1032 | $106,120 | $59,790 - $200,650 | 39,910 | N/A |
Chemical Engineering Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $109,420 in Florida to $165,475 in California—a 51% difference. The highest-paying states include California, New Mexico, and Hawaii. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 270,580 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 by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 3 institutions offering Chemical 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 Engineering is found at University of Southern California (USC) (8 graduates), Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) (8 graduates), and University of Connecticut (UConn) (2 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 18 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 Southern California (USC) |
Bachelor's
|
8 | Los Angeles, California | Private | usc.edu |
| Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) |
Master's
|
8 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Private | cmu.edu |
| University of Connecticut (UConn) |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | Storrs, Connecticut | Public | uconn.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Chemical Engineering programs
How much can I earn with a Chemical Engineering degree?
Salaries for Chemical 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 $165,475 compared to $109,420 in Florida. Approximately 270,580 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 programs?
Currently 3 accredited institutions offer Chemical Engineering degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Southern California (USC) (8 graduates), Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) (8 graduates), and University of Connecticut (UConn) (2 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.
What career paths are available with a Chemical Engineering degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Architectural and Engineering Managers, Chemical Engineers, and Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 270,580 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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