Engineering Louisville, KY Pop. 633,045

Chemical Engineer Salary in Louisville, Kentucky

The median chemical engineer salary in Louisville, KY is $97,759 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 5.7% above the Kentucky state average.

City Median
$97,759
vs State Avg
+$5,313
vs National
$-8,501
Cost of Living
92%

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

Louisville offers a median chemical engineer salary of $97,759, which is $5,313 above the Kentucky state average of $92,446. Compared to the national median of $106,260, Louisville pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Louisville's cost of living is 92% 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 Louisville spans from $62,560 at the 10th percentile to $158,240 at the 90th percentile — a $95,680 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $64,400, while senior chemical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $149,040. As a major metro area with a population of 633,045, Louisville typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Chemical Engineer Salary in Louisville by Experience

In Louisville, an entry-level chemical engineer earns around $64,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $149,040 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$64,400
$-5,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$99,360
$-8,640 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$149,040
$-12,960 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Louisville, KY

Percentile Louisville
10th Percentile $62,560
25th Percentile $77,280
Median (50th) $97,759
75th Percentile $126,960
90th Percentile $158,240

Chemical Engineer Salary in Other Kentucky Cities

How to Become a Chemical Engineer in Louisville

Education

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

Find Chemical Engineer Jobs in Louisville

Browse open chemical engineer positions in Louisville, KY:

Frequently Asked Questions: Chemical Engineer Salary in Louisville

How much does a Chemical Engineer make in Louisville, KY? ▼
The median chemical engineer salary in Louisville, Kentucky is $97,759 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $106,260. Salaries range from $62,560 (10th percentile) to $158,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemical Engineer make per hour in Louisville? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $97,759, a chemical engineer in Louisville earns approximately $47 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Louisville compare to the Kentucky state average for chemical engineer pay? ▼
Louisville's median chemical engineer salary of $97,759 is 5.7% above the Kentucky state average of $92,446. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Louisville, KY? ▼
Louisville has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a chemical engineer salary of $97,759 in Louisville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemical engineer in Louisville? ▼
Most chemical engineer positions in Louisville 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.