Chemical Engineers in Illinois
Considering working as a Chemical Engineers in Illinois? Below are the key facts. 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.
What do Chemical Engineers Make in Illinois?
The chemical engineers working in Illinois, the typical annual salary is $120,360 per year (or about $57.87/hour).Pay can range from $74,230 at the 10th percentile to $171,110 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $74,230 | $35.69 |
| 25th percentile | $95,750 | $46.03 |
| Median (50th) | $120,360 | $57.87 |
| 75th percentile | $150,260 | $72.24 |
| 90th percentile | $171,110 | $82.26 |
The job concentration index in Illinois relative to the national average — is 0.61, suggesting fewer chemical engineers per worker than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, chemical engineers earn a median of $130,903 per year ($62.93/hour), below the Illinois median.
Employment Outlook
There are roughly 213,738 chemical engineers nationwide. In Illinois alone, around 490 people work in this role. That puts the state above the typical state, which employs around 340 chemical engineers.
Top Illinois Metros for Chemical Engineers
The metro areas below employ the most chemical engineers in Illinois.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | 360 | $119,490 |
| Peoria, IL | 30 | $108,380 |
Top States for Chemical Engineers Employment
The table below shows the states where the most chemical engineers work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| Texas | 2,780 |
| California | 1,260 |
| Massachusetts | 1,140 |
| Ohio | 1,100 |
| Virginia | 1,020 |
| Pennsylvania | 970 |
| Colorado | 850 |
| Michigan | 780 |
| Louisiana | 780 |
| Washington | 600 |
| Maryland | 560 |
| New York | 560 |
| Alabama | 540 |
| Illinois | 490 |
| New Jersey | 480 |
| North Carolina | 450 |
| Tennessee | 450 |
| Missouri | 450 |
| Delaware | 390 |
| Connecticut | 380 |
Highest-Paying States for Chemical Engineers
Where chemical engineers earn the most: chemical engineers.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Oklahoma | $160,990 |
| New Mexico | $147,290 |
| West Virginia | $139,730 |
| Texas | $135,160 |
| Virginia | $132,550 |
| New York | $132,480 |
| Colorado | $131,740 |
| Delaware | $131,330 |
| Louisiana | $131,180 |
| Washington | $130,830 |
Skills
The most important chemical engineers skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Important knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
Key abilities for chemical engineers, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Chemical Engineers typically:
- Develop safety procedures to be employed by workers operating equipment or working in close proximity to ongoing chemical reactions.
- Troubleshoot problems with chemical manufacturing processes.
- Monitor and analyze data from processes and experiments.
- Evaluate chemical equipment and processes to identify ways to optimize performance or to ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
- Design and plan layout of equipment.
- Prepare estimate of production costs and production progress reports for management.
- Perform tests and monitor performance of processes throughout stages of production to determine degree of control over variables such as temperature, density, specific gravity, and pressure.
- Conduct research to develop new and improved chemical manufacturing processes.
- Determine most effective arrangement of operations such as mixing, crushing, heat transfer, distillation, and drying.
- Develop processes to separate components of liquids or gases or generate electrical currents, using controlled chemical processes.
- Design measurement and control systems for chemical plants based on data collected in laboratory experiments and in pilot plant operations.
- Perform laboratory studies of steps in manufacture of new products and test proposed processes in small-scale operation, such as a pilot plant.
Work Activities
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Working with Computers
- Getting Information
- Analyzing Data or Information
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
- Processing Information
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Documenting/Recording Information
Tools & Technology
Common tools and software used in this occupation include: Hot technologies: Autodesk AutoCAD, C In-demand technologies: Autodesk AutoCAD
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Related college programs include:
- Chemical Engineering
- Polymer & Plastics Engineering
- Biochemical Engineering
- Ceramic Engineering
- Paper Science & Engineering
- Engineering Chemistry
Featured schools near , edit
Related Careers
Other careers like chemical engineers include:
- Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
- Industrial Engineers
- Manufacturing Engineers
- Materials Engineers
- Mechanical Engineers
- Fuel Cell Engineers
Also Known As
Absorption and Adsorption Engineer, Blending Coordinator, Chemical Design Process Engineer, Chemical Engineer, Chemical Process Engineer, Chemical Research Engineer, Chemical Test Engineer, Control Systems Engineer, Controls Engineer, Development Engineer, Engineer, Engineering Scientist, Explosives Engineer, Fuel Engineer, Gas Combustion Engineer.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 17-2041.00