Chemical Engineer Salary in Chicago, IL
Annual base compensation · May 2026 · BLS OES Survey Data
$115,000
▲ 2.6% YOY
Compensation Distribution
$65,000
10th Pct.
Junior
$85,000
25th Pct.
Entry-level
$115,000
50th Pct.
Median
$150,000
75th Pct.
Senior
$185,000
90th Pct.
Top earner
Open Positions
Find active Chemical Engineer roles in Chicago
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Chemical Engineer salary in Chicago?+
The median Chemical Engineer salary in Chicago, IL is $115,000 per year as of May 2026. The middle 50% of earners fall between $85,000 and $150,000.
What is the entry-level Chemical Engineer salary in Chicago?+
Entry-level Chemical Engineer positions in Chicago typically start around $85,000 per year (25th percentile). With 2–4 years of experience, compensation climbs toward the market median of $115,000.
What do senior Chemical Engineers earn in Chicago?+
Senior Chemical Engineers in Chicago earn $150,000 at the 75th percentile and up to $185,000 at the 90th percentile, reflecting 6+ years of experience and management responsibilities.
How has the Chemical Engineer market changed in Chicago?+
Year-over-year salary growth for Chemical Engineers in Chicago stands at 2.6% as of May 2026, indicating moderate demand in the local market.
Chemical Engineer — Other Markets
| Market | 25th Pct. | Median | 75th Pct. | YoY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $115,000 | $150,000 | $200,000 | +2.6% |
| New York, NY | $105,000 | $140,000 | $185,000 | +2.6% |
| Seattle, WA | $100,000 | $130,000 | $175,000 | +2.6% |
| Boston, MA | $95,000 | $125,000 | $165,000 | +2.6% |
| Los Angeles, CA | $100,000 | $135,000 | $180,000 | +2.6% |
| San Diego, CA | $95,000 | $125,000 | $165,000 | +2.6% |
| Sacramento, CA | $90,000 | $120,000 | $160,000 | +2.6% |
| Washington DC, DC | $95,000 | $130,000 | $170,000 | +2.6% |
Chicago — Other Roles
| Role | 25th Pct. | Median | 75th Pct. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | $105,000 | $140,000 | $180,000 |
| Full Stack Developer | $95,000 | $130,000 | $165,000 |
| Frontend Developer | $85,000 | $115,000 | $155,000 |
| Backend Developer | $95,000 | $125,000 | $165,000 |
| iOS Developer | $100,000 | $130,000 | $170,000 |
| Android Developer | $95,000 | $125,000 | $165,000 |