Average Chemical Engineers Salary in Pennsylvania (2024 Report)

Chemical Engineers in Pennsylvania earn an average annual salary of $119,510, which is slightly below the national average of $129,210. This localized pay rate is influenced by a combination of factors including the state's industrial landscape, demand for specialized engineering talent, and the overall economic environment within Pennsylvania.

Executive Summary

Average Salary: $119,510 per year.
Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $171,290.
Outlook: Pennsylvania boasts a robust job market for Chemical Engineers, evidenced by a total local workforce of 970 professionals. The Location Quotient of 1.23 indicates a higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a steady demand and a significant presence of the chemical engineering sector within the state's economy.

2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$119,510

The average Chemical Engineers in Pennsylvania earns-7.5%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week

Hourly

$57.5

Weekly

$2,298

Monthly

$9,959

Chemical Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)

While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Chemical Engineers in Pennsylvania have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, advancements in chemical processes, and increasing industry investment likely contribute to upward pressure on compensation for these skilled professionals.

Chemical Engineers Salary Distribution in Pennsylvania

The career trajectory for Chemical Engineers in Pennsylvania typically shows a clear correlation between experience and earning potential. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the salary spectrum, while seasoned professionals with specialized expertise and a proven track record can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching into the upper percentiles, reflecting substantial career progression.

Experience Level	Market Percentile	Annual Wage	Hourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.	10% (Entry)	$79,070	$38
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.	25% (Junior)	$89,633	$43.1
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.	50% (Median)	$107,040	$51.5
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.	75% (Senior)	$149,388	$71.8
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.	90% (Expert)	$171,290	$82.4

Detailed Chemical Engineers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$119,510

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$120,717

Adjusted for COL (99)

With an average salary of $119,510 and a Cost of Living Index of 99 (which is at the national average), Chemical Engineers in Pennsylvania find their nominal earnings translate quite favorably to purchasing power. This means that the salary earned in Pennsylvania offers a lifestyle comparable to the national average, without the added financial strain of a significantly higher cost of living.

Job Market Context

970

Total Jobs

0.162

Per 1K Jobs

1.23

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.23, Pennsylvania has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Chemical Engineers roles compared to the national norm.

Pennsylvania's Location Quotient of 1.23 signifies a notable concentration of Chemical Engineers relative to the national average. This suggests that the job market is not only stable but potentially more competitive or abundant in opportunities for these professionals compared to other states, indicating a strong regional demand for their skills.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Chemical Engineerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Chemical Engineers make in Pennsylvania?

The median annual salary for a Chemical Engineers in Pennsylvania is $119,510. This typically ranges from $79,070 for entry-level positions to $171,290 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Pennsylvania is 7.5% lower than the national median of $129,210.

Is Pennsylvania a lucrative place for Chemical Engineers?

Yes, Pennsylvania offers competitive compensation for Chemical Engineers.The average salary of $119,510 is substantial, and with a cost of living at the national average, the purchasing power of this salary is strong.

Is Pennsylvania a good place to live for Chemical Engineers?

With a Cost of Living Index of 99 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

How does the Pennsylvania salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for Chemical Engineers in Pennsylvania is $119,510, which is slightly lower than the national average of $129,210.

What is the concentration of Chemical Engineers in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania has a higher concentration of Chemical Engineers than the national average, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.23.

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

Pennsylvania's Cost of Living Index is 99, meaning it is at the national average. This allows the $119,510 salary to maintain strong purchasing power.

What is the total number of Chemical Engineers in Pennsylvania?

There are approximately 970 Chemical Engineers working in Pennsylvania.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 970 employees in the Pennsylvania area with a job density of 0.162 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Explore Chemical Engineers Salaries by State

Top Jobs in Pennsylvania

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