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Average Chemical Engineers Salary in Alabama

Chemical Engineers in Alabama earn an average annual salary of $116,130, which is notably below the national average of $129,210. This differential is often influenced by a combination of regional economic factors, industry demand within the state, and the overall cost of doing business.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $116,130 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $191,400.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 540 Chemical Engineers, Alabama presents a concentrated market. The Location Quotient of 1.94 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average, suggesting a robust and established presence of the chemical engineering sector within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$116,130

The average Chemical Engineers in Alabama earns-10.1%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$55.8

Weekly

$2,233

Monthly

$9,678

Chemical Engineers Salary Distribution in Alabama

Salary progression for Chemical Engineers in Alabama typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior engineers with extensive project management and leadership experience can command salaries well into the upper percentiles, reflecting their accumulated expertise and value to employers.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$72,750$35
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$87,098$41.9
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$103,620$49.8
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$145,163$69.8
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$191,400$92

Detailed Chemical Engineers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$116,130

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$131,816

Adjusted for COL (88.1)

The average Chemical Engineer salary of $116,130 in Alabama is particularly advantageous when considering the state's Cost of Living Index of 88.1. This index, which is below the national average of 100, means that the nominal salary offers a higher effective purchasing power, making Alabama an attractive location for financial well-being.

Job Market Context

540

Total Jobs

0.256

Per 1K Jobs

1.94

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Alabama has 1.9x the national concentration of Chemical Engineers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

Alabama's Location Quotient of 1.94 for Chemical Engineers signifies a strong regional specialization. This concentration suggests that the job market may be more competitive for new entrants but also indicates a mature ecosystem with ample opportunities for experienced professionals within established companies and specialized industries.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Chemical Engineers

CitySalaryDist.
Birmingham, AL Chemical Engineers Salary$109,030↓ 6%50 mi

Comparing salaries near Alabama

Hiring Chemical Engineerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Chemical Engineers make in Alabama?

The median annual salary for a Chemical Engineers in Alabama is $116,130. This typically ranges from $72,750 for entry-level positions to $191,400 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Alabama is 10.1% lower than the national median of $129,210.

Is Alabama a lucrative place for Chemical Engineers?

Yes, especially considering the cost of living.While the average salary is below the national benchmark, Alabama's lower cost of living index means your earnings can go further. The high concentration of chemical engineers also points to a stable job market.

Is Alabama a good place to live for Chemical Engineers?

With a Cost of Living Index of 88.1 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Alabama?

Some top paying nearby cities include Birmingham, AL ($109,030) and others.

How does Alabama's Chemical Engineer salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Chemical Engineers in Alabama is $116,130, which is $13,080 less than the national average of $129,210.

What is the concentration of Chemical Engineers in Alabama?

Alabama has a Location Quotient of 1.94 for Chemical Engineers, meaning the profession is more than 1.9 times as concentrated as the national average.

How does the cost of living in Alabama affect Chemical Engineer salaries?

With a Cost of Living Index of 88.1, Alabama is more affordable than the national average. This makes the $116,130 salary offer greater purchasing power than it might in a higher-cost state.

What is the total number of Chemical Engineers in Alabama?

There are approximately 540 Chemical Engineers working in Alabama.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 540 employees in the Alabama area with a job density of 0.256 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Chemical Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Alabama