Chemical engineers design, build, and improve the processes and equipment that turn raw materials into useful products. You'll solve complex problems using chemistry, mathematics, and technology. The work requires a bachelor's degree and strong analytical skills.
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Chemical engineers apply chemistry and engineering principles to develop and optimize manufacturing processes. You'll design equipment, analyze data, monitor production systems, and troubleshoot problems on the job site. The work involves making decisions about materials and processes, communicating findings to supervisors and teams, and staying current with new technologies. You might work on pharmaceuticals, food production, petrochemicals, or environmental solutions. This is hands-on problem-solving paired with computer modeling and technical analysis.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Chemical Engineers earn a median of $125,040 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is steady. Employment is projected to grow 3 percent from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as average for all occupations, with about 1,100 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
You'll need a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or a related engineering field. Your coursework covers engineering and technology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, and design principles. During your studies, you'll develop critical thinking and science skills through labs and projects. Many programs include internships that give you real-world experience before graduation. After your degree, you can enter the field directly or pursue additional certifications depending on your career goals and employer requirements.
Most chemical engineers earn their bachelor's degree before entering the field. The path is straightforward but demanding, so if you're weighing program options and want to map out your next steps, Pathly can map the chemical engineer path that fits you and work through it with your counselor.
Many chemical engineers must be licensed, and professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
Licensing is handled at the state level and the requirements vary, so check the licensing board in your state. Pathly shows your state's specific steps inside your roadmap.
You're drawn to hands-on problem-solving and working with systems and processes. You think analytically, enjoy science and math, and want to build or improve real things.
Reading about a career is the easy part. Turning it into a plan is where most students get stuck. Pathly takes you from curious to a clear next step, and gives your counselor the insight to champion you along the way.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).