USA Career Guide - Chemical Engineer

Education and Training Requirements of Chemical Engineer

To work as chemical engineer in USA one needs at least bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering accredited by ABET. Good work avenues open for those who have a chemical engineering qualification along with Professional Engineer license and work experience. Chemical Engineering is offered as 4 year college course in USA to award a bachelor’s degree. 5 years college courses are also offered where both bachelor’s and master’s degrees awarded. Those who have 4 years in chemical engineering can also apply for graduate program in chemical engineering leading to award of masters and research degrees.  

Related Instructional Programs/Degrees for Chemical Engineers in USA

• BSE - Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering,
• BChE - Bachelor of Chemical Engineering,
• BS - Bachelor of Science,
• BE - Bachelor of Engineering,
• BSChE - Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering,
• ME - Master of Engineering,
• BSCH - Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

Industrial Overview

According to Bureau of Labor Statistics the industries employing the largest numbers of chemical engineers in 2010 were as follows:

• Architectural, engineering, and related services -    16%
• Scientific research and development services – 12%
• Basic chemical manufacturing – 12%
• Resin, synthetic rubber, and artificial synthetic fibers and filaments manufacturing – 7%
• Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing – 5%

Job Prospects of Chemical Engineer

According to Bureau of Labor Statistics the employment of chemical engineers is expected to grow 6 percent from 2010 to 2020, slower than the average for all occupations.

Chemical Engineers also work in areas other than chemical engineering like biotechnology, nanotechnology, molecular biology and environment etc. which will lead to absorption of more chemical engineers in the United States.

Pay of a Chemical Engineer in the US

According to Bureau of Labor Statistics median annual wages in the industries employing the largest numbers of chemical engineers in May 2010 were as follows:

• Scientific research and development services  - $94,640
• Basic chemical manufacturing - $ 92,590
• Architectural, engineering, and related services - $91,010
• Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing     - $90,490
• Resin, synthetic rubber, and artificial synthetic fibers and filaments manufacturing  - $84,940