Average Chemical Engineers Salary in Massachusetts
Chemical Engineers in Massachusetts earn an impressive average annual salary of $125,220, slightly below the national average of $129,210. This marginal difference is often influenced by the state's robust industrial sectors and the high demand for specialized engineering talent, which can command competitive compensation packages.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $125,220 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $173,050.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,140 Chemical Engineers and a Location Quotient of 2.37, Massachusetts demonstrates a significant concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This elevated quotient suggests a strong and potentially growing demand for chemical engineering expertise within the state's key industries, indicating a robust job market.
Salary Overview
The average Chemical Engineers in Massachusetts earns-3.1%below the national average.
$60.2
$2,408
$10,435
Chemical Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Chemical Engineers in Massachusetts have experienced consistent growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by inflation, advancements in chemical engineering technologies, and the sustained demand from the state's thriving biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and advanced manufacturing sectors.
Chemical Engineers Salary Distribution in Massachusetts
Salary progression for Chemical Engineers in Massachusetts typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions might start in the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can command salaries in the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps clearly signify the career progression and increased earning potential associated with accumulating expertise and responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $81,550 | $39.2 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $93,915 | $45.2 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $119,260 | $57.3 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $156,525 | $75.3 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $173,050 | $83.2 |
Detailed Chemical Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$125,220
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$84,380
Adjusted for COL (148.4)
While the nominal average salary of $125,220 is substantial, it's crucial to consider Massachusetts' Cost of Living Index of 148.4. This index, significantly higher than the national average, means that the purchasing power of a Chemical Engineer's salary in Massachusetts is somewhat diminished compared to lower cost-of-living areas, necessitating careful financial planning.
Job Market Context
1,140
Total Jobs
0.313
Per 1K Jobs
2.37
Location Quotient
Massachusetts has 2.4x 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.
The Location Quotient of 2.37 for Chemical Engineers in Massachusetts indicates a job market that is more than twice as concentrated as the national average. This suggests a highly specialized and competitive environment where employers actively seek out and value chemical engineering talent, potentially leading to more opportunities but also a need for strong qualifications.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chemical Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Worcester, MA Chemical Engineers Salary | $121,660↓ 3% | 14 mi |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH Chemical Engineers Salary | $127,540↑ 2% | 24 mi |
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA Chemical Engineers Salary | $100,370↓ 20% | 29 mi |
| Springfield, MA Chemical Engineers Salary | $139,320↑ 11% | 52 mi |
Comparing salaries near Massachusetts
Hiring Chemical Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chemical Engineers make in Massachusetts?
The median annual salary for a Chemical Engineers in Massachusetts is $125,220. This typically ranges from $81,550 for entry-level positions to $173,050 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Massachusetts is 3.1% lower than the national median of $129,210.
Is Massachusetts a lucrative place for Chemical Engineers?
Yes, with caveats.Massachusetts offers a high average salary for Chemical Engineers, exceeding many other states, but the elevated cost of living means the real value of this salary should be carefully considered.
Is Massachusetts a good place to live for Chemical Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Massachusetts is 148.4. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Massachusetts?
Some top paying nearby cities include Worcester, MA ($121,660) and Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH.
How does the number of Chemical Engineers in Massachusetts compare nationally?
Massachusetts has 1,140 Chemical Engineers locally, and its Location Quotient of 2.37 indicates a concentration significantly higher than the national average, suggesting a specialized demand.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient for Chemical Engineers in Massachusetts?
A Location Quotient of 2.37 signifies that Chemical Engineers are more than twice as concentrated in Massachusetts compared to the rest of the United States, pointing to a robust industry presence.
How does the Cost of Living in Massachusetts affect a Chemical Engineer's salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 148.4, the $125,220 average salary in Massachusetts offers less purchasing power than the national average salary in a more affordable region, requiring a higher nominal income to maintain a similar lifestyle.
What are the primary industries employing Chemical Engineers in Massachusetts?
Key industries likely employing Chemical Engineers in Massachusetts include biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, advanced manufacturing, materials science, and environmental consulting, driven by the state's strong innovation ecosystem.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,140 employees in the Massachusetts area with a job density of 0.313 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Chemical Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Massachusetts