According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for Chemists is $89,130, while the average annual salary for Chemical Engineers is $121,840. This means that Chemical Engineers earn a significantly higher salary than Chemists.
However, it's important to keep in mind that the amount of pay an employee receives can be influenced by factors like location, experience, and the specific setting in which they work. In particular, Chemists working in Washington DC (with a wage of $128,460 on average) may have higher salaries than those in South Dakota ($60,210). To give another example, the average salary of Chemical Engineers in Texas is 105% higher compared to those in Utah.
Chemists vs Chemical Engineers overview
Chemists and Chemical Engineers are two important jobs in the Chemical Manufacturing industry. Many people are interested in understanding the distinctions between these job titles, including the average earnings for each of them.
Chemist job description
Chemists conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge.
Chemist education and experience
In order to become a Chemist, a person typically must obtain a Bachelor's Degree. However this occupation also includes some employees who have a Master's Degree (7%). When it comes to experience, about a third of Chemist jobs do not require any previous experience. A smaller percentage of jobs (17%) require a previous experience of 1 to 2 years.
Chemist average salary
As stated by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the United States had a workforce of 80,600 Chemists in 2021 and the mean income they earned annually was $89,130. The lowest earning 10 percent made $48,100 or less, and the highest earning 10 percent made $134,780 or more per year. Compared to the previous year, the average salary is up by 3.1%.
Do Chemists make good money?
Chemists usually receive good salaries, as their average salary is about a half higher than the average wage in the United States ($58,260). Furthermore, they earn 27% more than the average wage of the Chemical Manufacturing industry ($70,120).
Chemists usually receive good salaries, as their average salary is about a half higher than the average wage in the United States ($58,260).
Chemists job growth
Chemists have seen a decrease in employment over the past two years. In 2021, there have been 2,340 less positions than the previous year nationwide, which marks a decrease of 2.8%. Over the past 3 years, job growth has averaged -1.6%.
Chemical Engineer job description
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.
Chemical Engineer education and experience
Becoming a Chemical Engineer typically involves completing a Bachelor's Degree. However, among employees in this occupation, there are also some with a Master's Degree (9%) and a Doctoral Degree (9%). Regarding experience, 36% of Chemical Engineer jobs require no previous experience. A smaller part of jobs (14%) require a previous experience of 1 to 2 years.
Chemical Engineer average salary
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 24,180 Chemical Engineers employed in the United States in 2021, and they earned a mean annual income of $121,840. The bottom 10 percent earned $62,730 or less, and the top 10 percent earned $187,430 or more. Compared to the previous year, the average salary has risen by 6.1%.
Do Chemical Engineers make good money?
Chemical Engineers generally earn good salaries, as their average salary is 109% higher than the average salary in the United States ($58,260). Additionally, they earn 74% more than the average pay of the Chemical Manufacturing industry ($70,120).
Chemical Engineers generally earn good salaries, as their average salary is 109% higher than the average salary in the United States ($58,260).
Chemical Engineers job growth
Chemical Engineers have seen a decrease in employment over the past two years. In 2021, there have been 1,590 less roles than the previous year nationwide, which marks a decrease of 6.2%. Over the past 3 years, job growth has averaged -8.9%.
FAQ
Do Chemists or Chemical Engineers make more?
Chemical Engineers make 37% more than Chemists. Chemists average around $89,130 per year, while Chemical Engineers make $121,840 per year.
How long does it take to become a Chemist vs Chemical Engineer?
Both Chemist and Chemical Engineer occupations generally require a Bachelor's Degree. Completing a Bachelor's Degree most often takes around 4 years of study.
Is it harder to become a Chemist vs Chemical Engineer?
The level of difficulty of achieving either occupation is similar, as they both require the same level of education.