Chemical Engineers
Design chemical plant equipment and devise processes for manufacturing chemicals and products, such as gasoline, synthetic rubber, plastics, detergents, cement, paper, and pulp, by applying principles and technology of chemistry, physics, and engineering.
How to read this profile
BLS projects U.S. employment for Chemical Engineers to increase by 4.7% between 2024 and 2034, from 21,900 to 22,900 jobs. Its estimate of 1,100 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($125,040), education (Bachelor's degree), and related experience (None) figures on this profile describe typical U.S. employees. O*NET skills describe the occupation; they do not assess an individual worker's proficiency.
Base employment (2024)
21,900
Projected employment (2034)
22,900
Projected change (2024–2034)
5%
Annual openings (projected average)
1,100
Pay & Preparation
$125,040
Bachelor's degree
None
None
Essential Skills
Science (4.12/5) • Critical Thinking (4.12/5) • Reading Comprehension (4/5) • Complex Problem Solving (4/5) • Systems Evaluation (3.88/5) • Systems Analysis (3.88/5)
O*NET describes occupational requirements; these ratings do not measure current job-posting frequency or an individual worker’s proficiency.
BLS projections are long-term estimates; annual openings include growth and replacement needs and are not current vacancies.
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