Chemical Engineers
General Information
Description
Design chemical plant equipment and devise processes for manufacturing chemicals and products, such as gasoline, synthetic rubber, plastics, detergents, cement, paper, and pulp, by applying principles and technology of chemistry, physics, and engineering.
Business Breakdown
People in this career work in these sectors.
- Private, for profit94.69%
- Self-employed2.13%
- Private, not for profit1.64%
- Federal government0.88%
- State and local government0.49%
Workplace at a Glance
What you can expect to experience while on the job
- Responsibility
- Exposure to job hazards
- Physical activity
- Decision making
- Repetitiveness
- Level of competition
- Time pressure
Industry areas
- Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
Job Outlook
Salary
Salary Information
Median Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.
$106,260
State-by-state Salary
Gray states indicate no data available
Education & Interests
Most Common Education Levels
People in this career achieve this level of education.
-
Bachelor's degree 81%
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Master's degree 9%
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Doctoral degree 9%
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High school 0%
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Some college 0%
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Associate's degree 0%
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Post baccalaureate 0%
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Less than high school 0%
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Post-doctoral training 0%
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Post-master's certificate 0%
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First professional degree 0%
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Post-secondary certificate 0%
Related College Majors
Select major to see colleges that offer it
PERSONALITY CHARACTERISTICS
You may find this career fulfilling if you consider yourself to be:
- Investigative — You have an interest in studying and researching objects, organisms, and other things.
- Realistic — You have an interest in physically working with equipment, materials or structures.
Not sure what characteristics best describe you? Take the RIASEC Test.
Skills at a Glance
Skills helpful in this career
- Verbal skills
- Critical thinking & problem solving
- Equipment operation & maintenance
- Math & science skills
- Technology design & control
- Leadership
Knowledge
- Engineering and Technology
- Chemistry
- Design
- Mathematics
- Physics
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