Engineering Michigan (MI) Rank #25 of 50

Chemical Engineer Salary in Michigan

The median chemical engineer salary in Michigan is $100,947 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $106,260.

Median Salary
$100,947
vs National
$-5,313
State Rank
#25 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Chemical Engineer Salary Overview in Michigan (2026)

Michigan ranks #25 out of 50 states for chemical engineer compensation. Michigan falls in the middle of the pack for chemical engineer pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $100,947 per year, chemical engineers in Michigan earn $5,313 less than the national median of $106,260.

A key advantage of working in Michigan is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $100,947 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $112,163 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Michigan is significant: chemical engineers at the 10th percentile earn $64,600, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $163,400 — a $98,800 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Michigan for this role is Ann Arbor, where the median reaches $116,886.

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 Michigan by Experience

In Michigan, an entry-level chemical engineer earns around $66,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $153,900 per year. The cost of living index in Michigan is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$66,500
$-3,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$102,600
$-5,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$153,900
$-8,100 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Michigan

Percentile MI Salary
10th Percentile $64,600
25th Percentile $79,800
Median (50th) $100,947
75th Percentile $131,100
90th Percentile $163,400

Chemical Engineer Salary by City in Michigan

The largest employment areas for chemical engineers in Michigan include Detroit, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, and Warren. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Chemical Engineer in Michigan

Education

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

Key Skills

Process EngineeringChemical ProcessesASPENSafety EngineeringQuality ControlThermodynamics

Job Outlook in Michigan

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chemical Engineer Salary in Michigan

How much does a Chemical Engineer make in Michigan? ▼
The median chemical engineer salary in Michigan is $100,947 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $106,260. Salaries range from $64,600 (10th percentile) to $163,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemical Engineer make per hour in Michigan? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $100,947, a chemical engineer in Michigan earns approximately $49 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Michigan a good state for chemical engineers? ▼
Michigan ranks #25 out of 50 states for chemical engineer pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level chemical engineers earn $66,500, while senior professionals earn $153,900.
How does Michigan compare to other states for chemical engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for chemical engineers is Hawaii at $180,642. Michigan's median of $100,947 ranks #25 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Pennsylvania ($102,010) and Illinois ($100,947).
What is the entry-level chemical engineer salary in Michigan? ▼
An entry-level chemical engineer in Michigan earns approximately $66,500 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $102,600. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $153,900.
What city in Michigan pays chemical engineers the most? ▼
Ann Arbor is the highest paying city in Michigan for chemical engineers, with a median salary of $116,886. Other cities include Detroit and Grand Rapids.