Engineering San Jose, CA Pop. 1,013,240

Chemical Engineer Salary in San Jose, California

The median chemical engineer salary in San Jose, CA is $178,517 per year, which is 68.0% above the national median and 21.7% above the California state average.

City Median
$178,517
vs State Avg
+$31,878
vs National
+$72,257
Cost of Living
168%

Chemical Engineer Salary in San Jose by Experience

In San Jose, an entry-level chemical engineer earns around $117,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $272,160 per year. The local cost of living index is 168% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$117,600
+$47,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$181,440
+$73,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$272,160
+$110,160 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Jose, CA

Percentile San Jose
10th Percentile $114,240
25th Percentile $141,120
Median (50th) $178,517
75th Percentile $231,840
90th Percentile $288,960

Chemical Engineer Salary in Other California Cities

How to Become a Chemical Engineer in San Jose

Education

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