Career Prospects for Chemical Engineers in USA

Chemical engineers apply the principles of chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics 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 methods of manufacturing products and treating byproducts, and supervise production. Some chemical 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 nano-materials (making extremely small substances), biological engineering, or in developing specific products. Chemical engineers also work in producing electricity, electronics, food, clothing, and paper. They work in research in life sciences, biotechnology, and business services. Chemical engineers must be aware of all aspects in the manufacturing of chemicals, drugs, or other products. They must also understand how the manufacturing process affects the environment and the safety of workers and consumers.

• Work Environment:

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 professionals who design other systems and with the technicians and mechanics that put the designs into practice. Some engineers travel extensively to plants or worksites both domestically and abroad.

• Career Outlook:

Employment of chemical engineers in USA is projected to grow 4 percent from 2012 to 2022, slower than the average for all occupations. Demand for chemical engineers’ services depends largely on demand for the products of various manufacturing industries. Employment growth will be sustained by the ability of these engineers to stay on the forefront of new, emerging technologies. In addition, chemical engineering is also migrating into new fields, such as nanotechnology, alternative energies, and biotechnology, which will help to sustain demand for engineering services in many manufacturing industries.

• Career options:

Jobs directly related to your degree include:

Chemical engineer

Energy engineer

Petroleum engineer

Product/process development scientist

Jobs where your degree would be useful include:

Analytical chemist

Energy manager

Manufacturing engineer

Materials engineer

Mining engineer

Production manager

Quality manager

Nearly 45% of chemical engineers in USA go on to work for large firms in industries such as Paper and pulp, Chemical, Petrochemical, Semiconductor, Pharmaceutical, Textile manufacturing, etc.

Other chemical engineering majors choose careers with government agencies or consulting firms that specialize in environmental regulations, pollution controls, microelectronics, and biotechnology.

• Salary Information:

A June 2013 salary survey by the American Institute of Chemical Engineers of their members reported that graduates of bachelor’s degree programs in 2011 had a median yearly salary of $67,800. The survey also noted that many chemical engineers in USA receive benefits such as stock options or profit-sharing awards. It is also believed that an average Chemical Engineer in the United States can expect to take home roughly $72K per year. Overall incomes of Chemical Engineers generally bottom out at around $51K and peak near $122K; the final number can, in exceptional cases, include upwards of $15K each for bonuses and profit sharing proceeds.

• Highest-paying markets for chemical engineers :

Highest-paying market according to market studies in previous year like in 2013 are Houston, San Francisco-Oakland, Baton Rouge, La., Philadelphia, Charleston, S.C., etc.

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