Engineering Tuscaloosa, AL Pop. 101,129

Chemical Engineer Salary in Tuscaloosa, Alabama

The median chemical engineer salary in Tuscaloosa, AL is $93,509 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% above the Alabama state average.

City Median
$93,509
vs State Avg
+$1,063
vs National
$-12,751
Cost of Living
88%

Chemical Engineer Pay in Tuscaloosa: What to Expect (2026)

Tuscaloosa offers a median chemical engineer salary of $93,509, which is $1,063 above the Alabama state average of $92,446. Compared to the national median of $106,260, Tuscaloosa pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Tuscaloosa's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $93,509 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $106,260 in an average-cost city. This makes Tuscaloosa an attractive option for chemical engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for chemical engineers in Tuscaloosa spans from $59,840 at the 10th percentile to $151,360 at the 90th percentile — a $91,520 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $61,600, while senior chemical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $142,560. With a population of 101,129, Tuscaloosa is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Chemical Engineer Salary in Tuscaloosa by Experience

In Tuscaloosa, an entry-level chemical engineer earns around $61,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $142,560 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$61,600
$-8,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$95,040
$-12,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$142,560
$-19,440 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tuscaloosa, AL

Percentile Tuscaloosa
10th Percentile $59,840
25th Percentile $73,920
Median (50th) $93,509
75th Percentile $121,440
90th Percentile $151,360

Chemical Engineer Salary in Other Alabama Cities

How to Become a Chemical Engineer in Tuscaloosa

Education

Most chemical engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Tuscaloosa and the surrounding Alabama area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Process EngineeringChemical ProcessesASPENSafety EngineeringQuality ControlThermodynamics

Job Outlook

Nationally, chemical engineer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Tuscaloosa may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Chemical Engineer Jobs in Tuscaloosa

Browse open chemical engineer positions in Tuscaloosa, AL:

Frequently Asked Questions: Chemical Engineer Salary in Tuscaloosa

How much does a Chemical Engineer make in Tuscaloosa, AL? ▼
The median chemical engineer salary in Tuscaloosa, Alabama is $93,509 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $106,260. Salaries range from $59,840 (10th percentile) to $151,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemical Engineer make per hour in Tuscaloosa? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $93,509, a chemical engineer in Tuscaloosa earns approximately $45 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tuscaloosa compare to the Alabama state average for chemical engineer pay? ▼
Tuscaloosa's median chemical engineer salary of $93,509 is 1.1% above the Alabama state average of $92,446. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tuscaloosa, AL? ▼
Tuscaloosa has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a chemical engineer salary of $93,509 in Tuscaloosa has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemical engineer in Tuscaloosa? ▼
Most chemical engineer positions in Tuscaloosa require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Process Engineering, Chemical Processes, ASPEN, Safety Engineering. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.