Engineering Topeka, KS Pop. 127,473

Chemical Engineer Salary in Topeka, Kansas

The median chemical engineer salary in Topeka, KS is $88,196 per year, which is 17% below the national median and 4.6% below the Kansas state average.

City Median
$88,196
vs State Avg
$-4,250
vs National
$-18,064
Cost of Living
83%

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

Topeka offers a median chemical engineer salary of $88,196, which is $4,250 below the Kansas state average of $92,446. Compared to the national median of $106,260, Topeka pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Topeka's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 83% of the national average. This means the $88,196 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $106,260 in an average-cost city. This makes Topeka an attractive option for chemical engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for chemical engineers in Topeka spans from $56,440 at the 10th percentile to $142,760 at the 90th percentile — a $86,320 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $58,100, while senior chemical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $134,460. With a population of 127,473, Topeka is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Chemical Engineer Salary in Topeka by Experience

In Topeka, an entry-level chemical engineer earns around $58,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $134,460 per year. The local cost of living index is 83% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$58,100
$-11,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$89,640
$-18,360 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$134,460
$-27,540 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Topeka, KS

Percentile Topeka
10th Percentile $56,440
25th Percentile $69,720
Median (50th) $88,196
75th Percentile $114,540
90th Percentile $142,760

Chemical Engineer Salary in Other Kansas Cities

Overland Park, KS
$102,010
Pop. 197,238
Olathe, KS
$99,884
Pop. 141,290
Kansas City, KS
$93,509
Pop. 156,607
Wichita, KS
$90,321
Pop. 397,532

How to Become a Chemical Engineer in Topeka

Education

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

Find Chemical Engineer Jobs in Topeka

Browse open chemical engineer positions in Topeka, KS:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Chemical Engineer Salary in Topeka

How much does a Chemical Engineer make in Topeka, KS? ▼
The median chemical engineer salary in Topeka, Kansas is $88,196 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $106,260. Salaries range from $56,440 (10th percentile) to $142,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemical Engineer make per hour in Topeka? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $88,196, a chemical engineer in Topeka earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Topeka compare to the Kansas state average for chemical engineer pay? ▼
Topeka's median chemical engineer salary of $88,196 is 4.6% below the Kansas state average of $92,446. The local cost of living index is 83% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Topeka, KS? ▼
Topeka has a cost of living index of 83% compared to the national average. This means a chemical engineer salary of $88,196 in Topeka has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemical engineer in Topeka? ▼
Most chemical engineer positions in Topeka 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.