Average Chemical Engineers Salary in Texas
Chemical Engineers in Texas command an impressive average annual salary of $148,690, substantially exceeding the national average of $129,210. This elevated compensation is driven by Texas's robust industrial sector, particularly in petrochemicals and energy, which creates a high demand for specialized engineering talent.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $148,690 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $211,090.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,780 Chemical Engineers and a Location Quotient of 1.52, Texas demonstrates a strong concentration of these professionals, indicating a robust and active job market. The concentration above the national average suggests that demand for Chemical Engineers in the state is higher than the typical U.S. employment landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Chemical Engineers in Texas earns+15.1%above the national average.
$71.5
$2,859
$12,391
Chemical Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Chemical Engineers in Texas have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing industry investment, technological advancements, and ongoing demand for skilled engineers likely contribute to upward salary pressure.
Chemical Engineers Salary Distribution in Texas
Salary progression for Chemical Engineers in Texas typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior engineers with extensive expertise and leadership responsibilities can command salaries in the upper percentiles, reflecting the value of their accumulated knowledge and project management capabilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $85,200 | $41 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $111,518 | $53.6 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $135,160 | $65 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $185,863 | $89.4 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $211,090 | $101.5 |
Detailed Chemical Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$148,690
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$159,882
Adjusted for COL (93)
The average annual salary of $148,690 in Texas presents a favorable financial situation when considering the local Cost of Living Index of 93. This index indicates that the cost of living is approximately 7% lower than the national average, meaning the nominal salary translates to a higher effective purchasing power for Chemical Engineers residing in the state.
Job Market Context
2,780
Total Jobs
0.201
Per 1K Jobs
1.52
Location Quotient
Texas has 1.5x 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.
A Location Quotient of 1.52 signifies that Chemical Engineers are 52% more concentrated in Texas than the national average. This suggests a highly specialized and potentially competitive market, where employers actively seek out this talent pool, and professionals may find ample opportunities within specific industry hubs across the state.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chemical Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX Chemical Engineers Salary | $163,100↑ 10% | 53 mi |
Comparing salaries near Texas
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chemical Engineers make in Texas?
The median annual salary for a Chemical Engineers in Texas is $148,690. This typically ranges from $85,200 for entry-level positions to $211,090 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Texas is 15.1% higher than the national median of $129,210.
Is Texas a lucrative place for Chemical Engineers?
Yes, Texas is a highly lucrative state for Chemical Engineers.Chemical Engineers in Texas earn approximately $19,480 more annually than the national average, coupled with a cost of living that is below the national average.
Is Texas a good place to live for Chemical Engineers?
With a Cost of Living Index of 93 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Texas?
Some top paying nearby cities include Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX ($163,100) and others.
What is the average salary for a Chemical Engineer in Texas?
The average annual salary for a Chemical Engineer in Texas is $148,690.
How does the Texas salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Texas is $19,480 higher than the national average of $129,210.
Is the cost of living high in Texas for Chemical Engineers?
No, the cost of living in Texas is below the national average, with an index of 93 compared to the national benchmark of 100.
How concentrated are Chemical Engineers in Texas?
Chemical Engineers are significantly more concentrated in Texas than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 1.52, indicating a strong presence in the state's workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,780 employees in the Texas area with a job density of 0.201 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 Texas