Chemical Engineer Salary in Lexington, KY: $98,822 (2026)

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

Lexington offers a median chemical engineer salary of $98,822, which is $6,376 above the Kentucky state average of $92,446. Compared to the national median of $106,260, Lexington pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Lexington'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 Lexington 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. With a population of 322,570, Lexington is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Chemical Engineer Salary in Lexington by Experience

In Lexington, 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

Percentile	Lexington	KY State	National
10th Percentile	$63,240	$59,160	$68,000
25th Percentile	$78,120	$73,080	$84,000
Median (50th)	$98,822	$92,446	$106,260
75th Percentile	$128,340	$120,060	$138,000
90th Percentile	$159,960	$149,640	$172,000

Percentile

Lexington

10th Percentile

$63,240

25th Percentile

$78,120

Median (50th)

$98,822

75th Percentile

$128,340

90th Percentile

$159,960

How to Become a Chemical Engineer in Lexington

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Chemical Engineer Salary in Lexington

How much does a Chemical Engineer make in Lexington, KY? ▼

The median chemical engineer salary in Lexington, Kentucky 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 Lexington? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $98,822, a chemical engineer in Lexington earns approximately $48 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Lexington compare to the Kentucky state average for chemical engineer pay? ▼

Lexington's median chemical engineer salary of $98,822 is 6.9% above the Kentucky state average of $92,446. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Lexington, KY? ▼

Lexington has a cost of living index of 93% compared to the national average. This means a chemical engineer salary of $98,822 in Lexington has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a chemical engineer in Lexington? ▼

Most chemical engineer positions in Lexington 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.

Chemical Engineer Salary in Lexington, Kentucky