Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Examining information carefully, recognizing patterns, and using evidence to reach sound conclusions.
Identifying problems, considering possible solutions, and choosing appropriate actions.
Using numbers, measurements, formulas, quantitative reasoning, and mathematical concepts.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
How to Become a Chemical Engineer Becoming a chemical engineer requires a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or a related field. To enter the occupation, chemical engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or a related field. Some employers prefer to hire candidates who have gained practical experience in an internship or a cooperative
Education
program. Education High school students interested in chemical engineering should take classes in sciences such as chemistry, physics, and biology. They also should take math courses, including algebra, calculus, and trigonometry. Bachelor's degree programs in chemical engineering or a related field typically include classroom, laboratory, and field studies. These programs usually take 4 years, but some colleges and universities have 5-year engineering programs that lead to both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree. Employers often prefer to hire graduates of accredited engineering programs. In chemical engineering, accredited programs include courses in chemistry, physics, and biology and the application of these sciences to process design and analysis. Some colleges and universities offer internships or cooperative education programs. In these programs, students gain practical experience while completing their education.
Licenses, Certifications & Registrations
Licensure is not required for entry-level chemical engineers. Experienced engineers may obtain a Professional Engineer (PE) license, which allows them to oversee the work of other engineers, sign off on projects, and provide services directly to the public. State licensure generally requires a bachelor’s or higher degree from an accredited engineering program, a passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, several years of relevant work experience, and a passing score on the PE exam. Each state issues its own license. Most states recognize licensure from other states if the licensing state’s requirements meet or exceed their own licensure requirements. Some states require engineers to take continuing education to maintain licensure. Information on state licensing board requirements is available from CareerOneStop. Advancement Chemical engineers may advance to supervise a team of engineers and technicians or to become engineering managers. Advancing into supervisory or management positions usually requires several years of experience, often working under the guidance of a senior-level engineer.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
the median annual wage for all workers was $50,980.
Job Outlook
Job Outlook Employment of chemical engineers is projected to grow 5 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 1,100 openings for chemical engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. Employment Demand for chemical engineers’ services depends largely on demand for the products that these workers help to develop. For example, environmental and sustainability concerns have led chemistry and manufacturing firms to research alternative fertilizers, resulting in a need for chemical engineers. Chemical engineers are expected to continue to be needed to design equipment and develop manufacturing processes that conform to changing regulations. Chemical Engineers Percent change in employment, projected 2025–35 Engineers 8% Chemical engineers 5% Total, all occupations 3% Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
What They Do
What Chemical Engineers Do
Chemical engineers apply the principles of chemistry, physics, and engineering to design equipment and processes for manufacturing products such as gasoline, detergents, and paper.
Duties
Chemical engineers typically do the following:
- Conduct research to develop new and improved manufacturing processes
- Design and plan the layout of equipment
- Establish safety procedures for working with dangerous chemicals
- Conduct tests and monitor production processes
- Troubleshoot problems in manufacturing processes
- Evaluate equipment and processes to ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations
- Estimate production costs for management
Chemical engineers work on producing a variety of chemicals and products, such as electronics, food, clothing, and paper. Along with designing and developing manufacturing processes, they ensure the safety of both work environments and consumers.
Chemical engineers commonly use computer-aided design (CAD) software in developing materials and products. Many engineers are generalists whose knowledge is transferable across industries.
Some chemical engineers specialize in a particular process, such as oxidation (a reaction of oxygen with chemicals to make other chemicals), or in developing specific products. Others specialize in a particular field, such as nanomaterials (extremely small substances).
Chemical engineers also may collaborate on research projects in a variety of other fields, including life sciences, biotechnology, and business services.
Work Environment
Work Environment
Chemical engineers held about 21,900 jobs in 2025. The largest employers of chemical engineers were as follows:
| Chemical manufacturing | 28% |
| Engineering services | 11 |
| Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences | 9 |
| Federal government, excluding postal service | 4 |
Chemical engineers typically work in an office setting or in laboratories. They also may visit industrial plants, refineries, and other locations to monitor operations. Chemical engineers also may collaborate with those who design other systems, such as in biotechnology, or work with the technicians and mechanics who put designs into practice.
Injuries and Illnesses
Chemical engineers may be exposed to health or safety hazards when handling certain chemicals and plant equipment. Workers reduce their risk of injury or illness by following safety procedures and wearing protective equipment, such as gloves, goggles, and hard hats.
Work Schedules
Most chemical engineers work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. They may have to work additional hours to meet production targets or to troubleshoot problems with manufacturing processes.
Important Qualities
The following are examples of qualities that are important for these workers to perform their duties. For more information, visit the Employment Projections (EP) skills data page. Analytical skills. Chemical engineers must be able to evaluate designs and processes and to propose improvements, if necessary. Communication skills. Because chemical engineers frequently work on teams, they must be able to express themselves clearly in discussions and develop good relationships with colleagues. Creativity. Chemical engineers explore new ways of applying engineering to invent new materials and advance manufacturing techniques in chemical engineering. Math skills. Chemical engineers use calculus and other advanced math for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work. Problem-solving skills. Chemical engineers must be able to anticipate and identify problems, such as those related to manufacturing processes, and to devise solutions.
More Information
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about chemical engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
Find Education Programs
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Explore pathway →Hear From ED
Use the guided career counseling experience to connect this career to your goals, skills and education preferences.
Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.