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Average Chemical Engineers Salary in Worcester, MA

Chemical Engineers in Worcester, MA, command an average annual salary of $121,660. This figure is slightly below the national average of $129,210, suggesting that while the demand is high, other factors might be influencing the compensation structure in this specific Massachusetts hub.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $121,660 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $168,060.
  • Outlook: Worcester presents a robust job market for Chemical Engineers, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 270 professionals. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 5.81 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, signaling strong local demand and a specialized industry presence.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$121,660

The average Chemical Engineers in Worcester, MA earns-5.8%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$58.5

Weekly

$2,340

Monthly

$10,138

Chemical Engineers Salary Distribution in Worcester, MA

Career progression for Chemical Engineers in Worcester typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start at a lower percentile, but as professionals gain expertise and move into senior or specialized roles, their earning potential can climb substantially, reflected in the widening salary gaps across experience levels.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$84,720$40.7
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$91,245$43.9
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$112,270$54
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$152,075$73.1
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$168,060$80.8

Detailed Chemical Engineers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$121,660

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$121,660

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $121,660 in Worcester aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Chemical Engineer's salary in Worcester is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial environment for residents.

Job Market Context

270

Total Jobs

0.766

Per 1K Jobs

5.81

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Worcester, MA has 5.8x 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.

Worcester's Location Quotient of 5.81 is a powerful indicator of a highly concentrated market for Chemical Engineers. This suggests that the city is a significant hub for this profession, potentially offering more specialized opportunities and a competitive environment for both employers and job seekers.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Chemical Engineers

Comparing salaries near Worcester, MA

Hiring Chemical Engineerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Chemical Engineers make in Worcester, MA?

The median annual salary for a Chemical Engineers in Worcester, MA is $121,660. This typically ranges from $84,720 for entry-level positions to $168,060 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Worcester, MA is 5.8% lower than the national median of $129,210.

Is Worcester, MA a lucrative place for Chemical Engineers?

Yes, with caveats.Worcester offers a strong concentration of Chemical Engineering roles with a solid average salary. While slightly below the national average, the cost of living being on par makes it financially comparable.

Is Worcester, MA a good place to live for Chemical Engineers?

The Cost of Living Index in Worcester, MA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Worcester, MA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Providence-Warwick, RI-MA ($100,370) and Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH.

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

The average salary for Chemical Engineers in Worcester, MA is $121,660, which is slightly lower than the national average of $129,210.

What does the Location Quotient of 5.81 mean for Chemical Engineers in Worcester?

A Location Quotient of 5.81 signifies that Chemical Engineers are significantly more concentrated in Worcester than the national average, indicating a strong local industry presence and demand for these professionals.

Is the cost of living in Worcester, MA high for Chemical Engineers?

No, Worcester's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means a Chemical Engineer's salary there has the same purchasing power as the national average.

How many Chemical Engineers are employed in Worcester, MA?

There are approximately 270 Chemical Engineers employed in Worcester, MA, contributing to a robust local workforce in this field.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 270 employees in the Worcester, MA area with a job density of 0.766 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.