Engineering Massachusetts (MA) Rank #3 of 50

Chemical Engineer Salary in Massachusetts

The median chemical engineer salary in Massachusetts is $143,451 per year, which is 35.0% above the national median of $106,260.

Median Salary
$143,451
vs National
+$37,191
State Rank
#3 of 50
Cost of Living
135%

Chemical Engineer Salary Overview in Massachusetts (2026)

Massachusetts ranks #3 out of 50 states for chemical engineer compensation. This places Massachusetts in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for chemical engineers seeking high pay. At $143,451 per year, chemical engineers in Massachusetts earn $37,191 more than the national median of $106,260.

It's worth noting that Massachusetts's cost of living is 135% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $143,451 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $106,260.

The salary spread in Massachusetts is significant: chemical engineers at the 10th percentile earn $91,800, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $232,200 — a $140,400 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Massachusetts for this role is Cambridge, where the median reaches $170,016.

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 Massachusetts by Experience

In Massachusetts, an entry-level chemical engineer earns around $94,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $218,700 per year. The cost of living index in Massachusetts is 135% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$94,500
+$24,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$145,800
+$37,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$218,700
+$56,700 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Massachusetts

Percentile MA Salary
10th Percentile $91,800
25th Percentile $113,400
Median (50th) $143,451
75th Percentile $186,300
90th Percentile $232,200

Chemical Engineer Salary by City in Massachusetts

The largest employment areas for chemical engineers in Massachusetts include Boston, Worcester, Springfield, and Cambridge. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Chemical Engineer in Massachusetts

Education

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

Key Skills

Process EngineeringChemical ProcessesASPENSafety EngineeringQuality ControlThermodynamics

Job Outlook in Massachusetts

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chemical Engineer Salary in Massachusetts

How much does a Chemical Engineer make in Massachusetts? ▼
The median chemical engineer salary in Massachusetts is $143,451 per year, which is 35.0% above the national median of $106,260. Salaries range from $91,800 (10th percentile) to $232,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemical Engineer make per hour in Massachusetts? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $143,451, a chemical engineer in Massachusetts earns approximately $69 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Massachusetts a good state for chemical engineers? ▼
Massachusetts ranks #3 out of 50 states for chemical engineer pay. The cost of living index is 135% of the national average. Entry-level chemical engineers earn $94,500, while senior professionals earn $218,700.
How does Massachusetts compare to other states for chemical engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for chemical engineers is Hawaii at $180,642. Massachusetts's median of $143,451 ranks #3 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Hawaii ($180,642) and California ($146,639).
What is the entry-level chemical engineer salary in Massachusetts? ▼
An entry-level chemical engineer in Massachusetts earns approximately $94,500 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $145,800. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $218,700.
What city in Massachusetts pays chemical engineers the most? ▼
Cambridge is the highest paying city in Massachusetts for chemical engineers, with a median salary of $170,016. Other cities include Boston and Worcester.