Engineering Alabama (AL) Rank #44 of 50

Chemical Engineer Salary in Alabama

The median chemical engineer salary in Alabama is $92,446 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $106,260.

Median Salary
$92,446
vs National
$-13,814
State Rank
#44 of 50
Cost of Living
87%

Chemical Engineer Salary Overview in Alabama (2026)

Alabama ranks #44 out of 50 states for chemical engineer compensation. Chemical Engineer salaries in Alabama are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $92,446 per year, chemical engineers in Alabama earn $13,814 less than the national median of $106,260.

A key advantage of working in Alabama is its below-average cost of living (87% of the national index). This means the $92,446 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $106,260 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Alabama is significant: chemical engineers at the 10th percentile earn $59,160, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $149,640 — a $90,480 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Alabama for this role is Huntsville, where the median reaches $97,759.

Nationally, chemical engineer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for chemical engineers across the country.

Chemical Engineer Salary in Alabama by Experience

In Alabama, an entry-level chemical engineer earns around $60,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $140,940 per year. The cost of living index in Alabama is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$60,900
$-9,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$93,960
$-14,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$140,940
$-21,060 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Alabama

Percentile AL Salary
10th Percentile $59,160
25th Percentile $73,080
Median (50th) $92,446
75th Percentile $120,060
90th Percentile $149,640

Chemical Engineer Salary by City in Alabama

The largest employment areas for chemical engineers in Alabama include Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery, and Mobile. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Chemical Engineer in Alabama

Education

Most chemical engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Alabama has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Process EngineeringChemical ProcessesASPENSafety EngineeringQuality ControlThermodynamics

Job Outlook in Alabama

Nationally, chemical engineer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Alabama's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Data shows Chemical Engineers who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $48,494 over your career trajectory.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chemical Engineer Salary in Alabama

How much does a Chemical Engineer make in Alabama? ▼
The median chemical engineer salary in Alabama is $92,446 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $106,260. Salaries range from $59,160 (10th percentile) to $149,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemical Engineer make per hour in Alabama? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $92,446, a chemical engineer in Alabama earns approximately $44 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Alabama a good state for chemical engineers? ▼
Alabama ranks #44 out of 50 states for chemical engineer pay. The cost of living index is 87% of the national average. Entry-level chemical engineers earn $60,900, while senior professionals earn $140,940.
How does Alabama compare to other states for chemical engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for chemical engineers is Hawaii at $180,642. Alabama's median of $92,446 ranks #44 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Missouri ($93,509) and South Dakota ($93,509).
What is the entry-level chemical engineer salary in Alabama? ▼
An entry-level chemical engineer in Alabama earns approximately $60,900 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $93,960. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $140,940.
What city in Alabama pays chemical engineers the most? ▼
Huntsville is the highest paying city in Alabama for chemical engineers, with a median salary of $97,759. Other cities include Birmingham and Montgomery.