Engineering Louisiana (LA) Rank #34 of 50

Chemical Engineer Salary in Louisiana

The median chemical engineer salary in Louisiana is $96,697 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $106,260.

Median Salary
$96,697
vs National
$-9,563
State Rank
#34 of 50
Cost of Living
91%

Chemical Engineer Salary Overview in Louisiana (2026)

Louisiana ranks #34 out of 50 states for chemical engineer compensation. Chemical Engineer salaries in Louisiana are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $96,697 per year, chemical engineers in Louisiana earn $9,563 less than the national median of $106,260.

A key advantage of working in Louisiana is its below-average cost of living (91% of the national index). This means the $96,697 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $106,260 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Louisiana is significant: chemical engineers at the 10th percentile earn $61,880, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $156,520 — a $94,640 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Louisiana for this role is New Orleans, where the median reaches $104,135.

Nationally, chemical engineer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for chemical engineers across the country.

Chemical Engineer Salary in Louisiana by Experience

In Louisiana, an entry-level chemical engineer earns around $63,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $147,420 per year. The cost of living index in Louisiana is 91% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$63,700
$-6,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$98,280
$-9,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$147,420
$-14,580 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Louisiana

Percentile LA Salary
10th Percentile $61,880
25th Percentile $76,440
Median (50th) $96,697
75th Percentile $125,580
90th Percentile $156,520

Chemical Engineer Salary by City in Louisiana

The largest employment areas for chemical engineers in Louisiana include New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and Lafayette. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Chemical Engineer in Louisiana

Education

Most chemical engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Louisiana has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Process EngineeringChemical ProcessesASPENSafety EngineeringQuality ControlThermodynamics

Job Outlook in Louisiana

Nationally, chemical engineer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Louisiana's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chemical Engineer Salary in Louisiana

How much does a Chemical Engineer make in Louisiana? ▼
The median chemical engineer salary in Louisiana is $96,697 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $106,260. Salaries range from $61,880 (10th percentile) to $156,520 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemical Engineer make per hour in Louisiana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $96,697, a chemical engineer in Louisiana earns approximately $46 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Louisiana a good state for chemical engineers? ▼
Louisiana ranks #34 out of 50 states for chemical engineer pay. The cost of living index is 91% of the national average. Entry-level chemical engineers earn $63,700, while senior professionals earn $147,420.
How does Louisiana compare to other states for chemical engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for chemical engineers is Hawaii at $180,642. Louisiana's median of $96,697 ranks #34 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Wisconsin ($97,759) and Wyoming ($97,759).
What is the entry-level chemical engineer salary in Louisiana? ▼
An entry-level chemical engineer in Louisiana earns approximately $63,700 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $98,280. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $147,420.
What city in Louisiana pays chemical engineers the most? ▼
New Orleans is the highest paying city in Louisiana for chemical engineers, with a median salary of $104,135. Other cities include Baton Rouge and Shreveport.