What Do Chemical Engineers and Technicians Do? What are Chemical Engineers?
What Do Chemical Engineers and Technicians Do? What are Chemical Engineers? What is Chemical Engineers Occupational Code?
What Chemical Engineers Do?
Chemical engineers develop and design chemical manufacturing processes.
Chemical engineers apply the principles of chemistry, biology, physics, and math to solve problems that involve the production or use of chemicals, fuel, drugs, food, and many other products. They design processes and equipment for large-scale manufacturing, plan and test production methods and byproducts treatment, and direct facility operations.
Duties of a Chemical Engineer
Chemical engineers typically do the following:
- Conduct research to develop new and improved manufacturing processes
- Establish safety procedures for those working with dangerous chemicals
- Develop processes for separating components of liquids and gases, or for generating electrical currents, by using controlled chemical processes
- Design and plan the layout of equipment
- Conduct tests and monitor the performance of processes throughout production
- Troubleshoot problems with manufacturing processes
- Evaluate equipment and processes to ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations
- Estimate production costs for management
Some chemical engineers, known as process engineers, specialize in a particular process, such as oxidation (a reaction of oxygen with chemicals to make other chemicals) or polymerization (making plastics and resins).
Others specialize in a particular field, such as nanomaterials (extremely small substances) or biological engineering. Still others specialize in developing specific products.
In addition, chemical engineers work in the production of energy, electronics, food, clothing, and paper. They must understand how the manufacturing process affects the environment and the safety of workers and consumers.
Chemical engineers also conduct research in the life sciences, biotechnology, and business services.
Working Environment of Chemical Engineers
Chemical engineers generally work in offices or laboratory settings, although sometimes they must work in an industrial setting to oversee production.
Chemical engineers held about 26,900 jobs in 2021. The largest employers of chemical engineers were as follows:
| Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences | 11% |
| Engineering services | 11 |
| Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing | 5 |
| Wholesale trade | 4 |
| Petroleum and coal products manufacturing | 3 |
Chemical engineers work mostly in offices or laboratories. They may spend time at industrial plants, refineries, and other locations, where they monitor or direct operations or solve onsite problems. Chemical engineers must be able to work with those who design other systems and with the technicians and mechanics who put the designs into practice.
Some engineers travel extensively to plants or worksites, both domestically and abroad.
Injuries and Illnesses
Chemical engineers can be exposed to health or safety hazards when handling certain chemicals and plant equipment, but such exposure can be avoided if proper procedures are followed.
Work Schedules
Nearly all chemical engineers work full time. Occasionally, they may have to work additional hours to meet production targets and design standards or to troubleshoot problems with manufacturing processes. Some chemical engineers work more than 40 hours per week.
How to Become a Chemical Engineer
Becoming a chemical engineer requires a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or a related field.
Chemical engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or a related field. Some employers prefer to hire candidates who have practical experience, so internships and cooperative engineering programs may be helpful.
Education
High school students interested in studying chemical engineering should take science classes, such as chemistry, physics, and biology. They also should take math courses, including algebra, trigonometry, and calculus.
College students typically study chemical engineering or a related field that leads to a bachelor’s degree. Programs in chemical engineering usually take 4 years and include classroom, laboratory, and field studies. Some colleges and universities have 5-year engineering programs that lead to both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree. A graduate degree, which may include a degree up to the Ph.D. level, allows an engineer to work in research and development or as a postsecondary teacher.
Some colleges and universities offer internships and/or cooperative programs in partnership with industry. In these programs, students gain practical experience while completing their education.
ABET accredits engineering programs. ABET-accredited programs in chemical engineering include courses in chemistry, physics, and biology. These programs also include applying the sciences to the design, analysis, and control of chemical, physical, and biological processes.
Important Qualities
Analytical skills. Chemical engineers must troubleshoot designs that do not work as planned. They must ask the right questions and then find answers that work.
Creativity. Chemical engineers must explore new ways of applying engineering principles. They work to invent new materials, advanced manufacturing techniques, and new applications in chemical and biomedical engineering.
Ingenuity. Chemical engineers learn the broad concepts of chemical engineering, but their work requires them to apply those concepts to specific production problems.
Interpersonal skills. Because their role is to put scientific principles into practice in manufacturing industries, chemical engineers must develop good working relationships with other workers involved in production processes.
Math skills. Chemical engineers use the principles of advanced math topics such as calculus for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work.
Problem-solving skills. In designing equipment and processes for manufacturing, these engineers must be able to anticipate and identify problems, including such issues as workers’ safety and problems related to manufacturing and environmental protection.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Licensure for chemical engineers is not as common as it is for other engineering occupations, nor is it required for entry-level positions. A Professional Engineering (PE) license, which allows for higher levels of leadership and independence, can be acquired later in one’s career. Licensed engineers are called professional engineers (PEs). A PE can oversee the work of other engineers, sign off on projects, and provide services directly to the public. State licensure generally requires
- A degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program
- A passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam
- Relevant work experience, typically at least 4 years
- A passing score on the Professional Engineering (PE) exam
The initial FE exam can be taken after one earns a bachelor’s degree. Engineers who pass this exam are commonly called engineers in training (EITs) or engineer interns (EIs). After meeting work experience requirements, EITs and EIs can take the second exam, called the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE).
Each state issues its own licenses. Most states recognize licensure from other states, as long as the licensing state’s requirements meet or exceed their own licensure requirements. Several states require engineers to take continuing education to keep their licenses.
Advancement
Entry-level engineers usually work under the supervision of experienced engineers. In large companies, new engineers also may receive formal training in classrooms or seminars. As junior engineers gain knowledge and experience, they move to more difficult projects with greater independence to develop designs, solve problems, and make decisions.
Eventually, chemical engineers may advance to supervise a team of engineers and technicians. Some may become architectural and engineering managers. Preparing for management positions usually requires working under the guidance of a more experienced chemical engineer.
An engineering background enables chemical engineers to discuss a product’s technical aspects and assist in product planning and use. For more information, see the profile on sales engineers.
Chemical Engineers Occupational Code:17-2041
Pay
Chemical Engineers
Median annual wages, May 2021
Chemical engineers $105,550
Engineers $99,040
Total, all occupations $45,760
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
The median annual wage for chemical engineers was $105,550 in May 2021. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $62,730, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $187,430.
In May 2021, the median annual wages for chemical engineers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
| Engineering services | $152,430 |
| Petroleum and coal products manufacturing | 126,780 |
| Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences | 102,390 |
| Wholesale trade | 100,290 |
| Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing | 96,220 |
A 2015 survey report by the American Institute of Chemical Engineers indicated that the median yearly salary of those with no supervisory responsibility was $106,300.
Nearly all chemical engineers work full time. Occasionally, they may have to work additional hours to meet production targets and design standards or to troubleshoot problems with manufacturing processes. Some chemical engineers work more than 40 hours per week.
Job Outlook
Chemical Engineers
Percent change in employment, projected 2021-31
Chemical engineers 14%
Engineers 5%
Total, all occupations 5%
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
Employment of chemical engineers is projected to grow 14 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 2,000 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 of various manufacturing industries. Many chemical engineers work in manufacturing firms that provide products to other firms. For example, environmental and sustainability concerns have led chemistry and manufacturing firms to research alternative fertilizers, resulting in a need for chemical engineers.
In addition, chemical engineering will continue to migrate into other fields, such as nanotechnology, alternative energies, and biotechnology, and thereby help to sustain demand for engineering services in many manufacturing industries. However, because it is a small occupation, the fast growth will result in only about 3,700 new jobs over the projections decade.
Chemical Engineers
Percent change in employment, projected 2021-31
Chemical engineers 14%
Engineers 5%
Total, all occupations 5%
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
| Occupational Title | SOC Code | Employment, 2021 | Projected Employment, 2031 | Change, 2021-31 | Employment by Industry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Percent | Numeric | ||||
| Chemical engineers | 17-2041 | 26,900 | 30,700 | 14 | 3,700 |
| SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program |
State & Area Data
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)
The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OEWS data maps for employment and wages by state and area.
- Chemical engineers
Projections Central
Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.org. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved.
CareerOneStop
CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.
Similar Occupations
This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of chemical engineers.