What You Need to Know About Chemical Engineer
Job Description: 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.
Life As a Chemical Engineer
- Conduct research to develop new and improved chemical manufacturing processes.
- Design and plan layout of equipment.
- Determine most effective arrangement of operations such as mixing, crushing, heat transfer, distillation, and drying.
- Design measurement and control systems for chemical plants based on data collected in laboratory experiments and in pilot plant operations.
- Perform tests and monitor performance of processes throughout stages of production to determine degree of control over variables such as temperature, density, specific gravity, and pressure.
- Perform laboratory studies of steps in manufacture of new products and test proposed processes in small-scale operation, such as a pilot plant.
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Qualities of a Chemical Engineer
Below is a list of the skills most Chemical Engineers say are important on the job.
Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Systems Analysis: Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems.
Types of Chemical Engineer Jobs
- Lubricating Engineer
- Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE)
- Plant Engineer
- Engineering Scientist
- Polymerization Engineer
Chemical Engineer Employment Estimates
In the United States, there were 32,700 jobs for Chemical Engineer in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 7.3% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 2,400 new jobs for Chemical Engineer by 2026. There will be an estimated 2,400 positions for Chemical Engineer per year.
The states with the most job growth for Chemical Engineer are North Dakota, Utah, and Florida. Watch out if you plan on working in Kentucky, West Virginia, or District of Columbia. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Salary for a Chemical Engineer
The typical yearly salary for Chemical Engineers is somewhere between $64,890 and $169,770.
Chemical Engineers who work in Texas, District of Columbia, or Alaska, make the highest salaries.
How much do Chemical Engineers make in each U.S. state?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $112,780 |
| Alaska | $134,440 |
| Arizona | $99,580 |
| Arkansas | $87,880 |
| California | $103,590 |
| Colorado | $100,670 |
| Connecticut | $89,660 |
| Delaware | $120,280 |
| District of Columbia | $117,470 |
| Florida | $96,120 |
| Georgia | $91,530 |
| Idaho | $114,140 |
| Illinois | $94,830 |
| Indiana | $99,010 |
| Iowa | $107,490 |
| Kansas | $98,090 |
| Kentucky | $101,180 |
| Louisiana | $111,090 |
| Maryland | $113,670 |
| Massachusetts | $109,950 |
| Michigan | $102,780 |
| Minnesota | $98,910 |
| Mississippi | $109,940 |
| Missouri | $105,990 |
| Montana | $87,350 |
| Nebraska | $90,600 |
| New Hampshire | $79,110 |
| New Jersey | $122,210 |
| New Mexico | $110,020 |
| New York | $100,380 |
| North Carolina | $99,810 |
| Ohio | $96,080 |
| Oklahoma | $107,290 |
| Oregon | $98,810 |
| Pennsylvania | $97,390 |
| Rhode Island | $90,180 |
| South Carolina | $87,880 |
| Tennessee | $106,830 |
| Texas | $147,720 |
| Utah | $95,000 |
| Virginia | $111,440 |
| Washington | $103,620 |
| West Virginia | $97,430 |
| Wisconsin | $92,310 |
| Wyoming | $105,490 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Chemical Engineers
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Chemical Engineers may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Access
- Data entry software
- SAP
- Microsoft Project
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Visio
- Structured query language SQL
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- Microsoft Visual Basic
- R
- Minitab
- National Instruments LabVIEW
- C
- Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
- Dassault Systemes CATIA
How do I Become a Chemical Engineer?
Individuals working as a Chemical Engineer have obtained the following education levels:
How Long Does it Take to Become a Chemical Engineer?
Where Chemical Engineers Work
Chemical Engineers work in the following industries:
Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those interested in being a Chemical Engineer may also be interested in:
Career changers with experience as a Chemical Engineer sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
Image Credit: Mikulova via Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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