Engineering Tucson, AZ Pop. 542,629

Chemical Engineer Salary in Tucson, Arizona

The median chemical engineer salary in Tucson, AZ is $98,822 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 4.1% below the Arizona state average.

City Median
$98,822
vs State Avg
$-4,250
vs National
$-7,438
Cost of Living
93%

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

Tucson offers a median chemical engineer salary of $98,822, which is $4,250 below the Arizona state average of $103,072. Compared to the national median of $106,260, Tucson pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Tucson's cost of living is 93% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for chemical engineers in Tucson spans from $63,240 at the 10th percentile to $159,960 at the 90th percentile — a $96,720 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $65,100, while senior chemical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $150,660. As a major metro area with a population of 542,629, Tucson typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Chemical Engineer Salary in Tucson by Experience

In Tucson, an entry-level chemical engineer earns around $65,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $150,660 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$65,100
$-4,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$100,440
$-7,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$150,660
$-11,340 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tucson, AZ

Percentile Tucson
10th Percentile $63,240
25th Percentile $78,120
Median (50th) $98,822
75th Percentile $128,340
90th Percentile $159,960

Chemical Engineer Salary in Other Arizona Cities

Scottsdale, AZ
$119,011
Pop. 241,361
Chandler, AZ
$108,385
Pop. 275,987
Phoenix, AZ
$106,260
Pop. 1,608,139
Mesa, AZ
$103,072
Pop. 504,258

How to Become a Chemical Engineer in Tucson

Education

Most chemical engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Tucson and the surrounding Arizona 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 Tucson may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Chemical Engineer Jobs in Tucson

Browse open chemical engineer positions in Tucson, AZ:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Chemical Engineer Salary in Tucson

How much does a Chemical Engineer make in Tucson, AZ? ▼
The median chemical engineer salary in Tucson, Arizona is $98,822 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $106,260. Salaries range from $63,240 (10th percentile) to $159,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemical Engineer make per hour in Tucson? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $98,822, a chemical engineer in Tucson earns approximately $48 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tucson compare to the Arizona state average for chemical engineer pay? ▼
Tucson's median chemical engineer salary of $98,822 is 4.1% below the Arizona state average of $103,072. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tucson, AZ? ▼
Tucson has a cost of living index of 93% compared to the national average. This means a chemical engineer salary of $98,822 in Tucson has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemical engineer in Tucson? ▼
Most chemical engineer positions in Tucson 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.