Engineering Lafayette, LA Pop. 121,374

Chemical Engineer Salary in Lafayette, Louisiana

The median chemical engineer salary in Lafayette, LA is $93,509 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 3.3% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$93,509
vs State Avg
$-3,188
vs National
$-12,751
Cost of Living
88%

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

Lafayette offers a median chemical engineer salary of $93,509, which is $3,188 below the Louisiana state average of $96,697. Compared to the national median of $106,260, Lafayette pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Lafayette's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $93,509 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $106,260 in an average-cost city. This makes Lafayette an attractive option for chemical engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for chemical engineers in Lafayette spans from $59,840 at the 10th percentile to $151,360 at the 90th percentile — a $91,520 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $61,600, while senior chemical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $142,560. With a population of 121,374, Lafayette is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Chemical Engineer Salary in Lafayette by Experience

In Lafayette, an entry-level chemical engineer earns around $61,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $142,560 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$61,600
$-8,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$95,040
$-12,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$142,560
$-19,440 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lafayette, LA

Percentile Lafayette
10th Percentile $59,840
25th Percentile $73,920
Median (50th) $93,509
75th Percentile $121,440
90th Percentile $151,360

Chemical Engineer Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$104,135
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$97,759
Pop. 227,470
Lake Charles, LA
$91,384
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$90,321
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Chemical Engineer in Lafayette

Education

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

Find Chemical Engineer Jobs in Lafayette

Browse open chemical engineer positions in Lafayette, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chemical Engineer Salary in Lafayette

How much does a Chemical Engineer make in Lafayette, LA? ▼
The median chemical engineer salary in Lafayette, Louisiana is $93,509 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $106,260. Salaries range from $59,840 (10th percentile) to $151,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemical Engineer make per hour in Lafayette? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $93,509, a chemical engineer in Lafayette earns approximately $45 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lafayette compare to the Louisiana state average for chemical engineer pay? ▼
Lafayette's median chemical engineer salary of $93,509 is 3.3% below the Louisiana state average of $96,697. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lafayette, LA? ▼
Lafayette has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a chemical engineer salary of $93,509 in Lafayette has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemical engineer in Lafayette? ▼
Most chemical engineer positions in Lafayette 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.