Chemical Engineering: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Chemical engineering is a discipline centered on applying chemical, physical, and mathematical principles to solve complex industrial and technological challenges. It emphasizes the design, optimization, and scale-up of processes that transform raw materials into valuable products across diverse sectors, from energy and pharmaceuticals to advanced materials and environmental technologies.
- Physical Chemistry: Explores the fundamental laws governing molecular behavior, thermodynamics, and reaction kinetics to predict and control chemical transformations.
- Organic Chemistry: Focuses on the structure, properties, and reactions of carbon-based compounds essential in pharmaceuticals, polymers, and synthetic materials.
- Materials Science: Investigates the relationships between a material’s structure, processing, and performance to develop innovative solutions in metals, ceramics, composites, and nanomaterials.
- Chemical Processes and Systems: Teaches the design and analysis of unit operations and integrated systems used in industrial production, including separation, mixing, and heat transfer.
- Chemical Reaction Engineering: Applies principles of kinetics and reactor design to optimize reaction conditions for efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
- Biochemical Engineering: Integrates biological systems with engineering methods to develop bioprocesses for drug production, biofuels, and biomanufacturing.
- Engineering Mathematics: Provides advanced quantitative tools such as differential equations, numerical methods, and optimization techniques essential for modeling and simulation.
- Classical and Modern Physics: Offers foundational understanding of mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum phenomena, and wave-particle behavior critical to material and process development.
- Computer Science: Equips students with computational modeling, data analysis, and programming skills to simulate systems, manage large datasets, and support automation in engineering workflows.
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 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 421,330 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 |
| 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 $102,468 in Arkansas to $153,260 in California—a 50% difference. The highest-paying states include California, New Mexico, and District of Columbia. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 421,330 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 2 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 Oregon (UO) (23 graduates), and Oakland University (OU) (2 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 25 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 Oregon (UO) |
Master's
|
23 | Eugene, Oregon | Public | uoregon.edu |
| Oakland University (OU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Rochester Hills, Michigan | Public | oakland.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 $153,260 compared to $102,468 in Arkansas. Approximately 421,330 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 2 accredited institutions offer Chemical Engineering degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Oregon (UO) (23 graduates), Oakland University (OU) (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 Engineers, All Other. Related occupations employ approximately 421,330 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.
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Energy Systems Engineering
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