Engineering Grand Rapids, MI Pop. 198,917

Chemical Engineer Salary in Grand Rapids, Michigan

The median chemical engineer salary in Grand Rapids, MI is $100,947 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 0.0% above the Michigan state average.

City Median
$100,947
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-5,313
Cost of Living
90%

Chemical Engineer Pay in Grand Rapids: What to Expect (2026)

Grand Rapids offers a median chemical engineer salary of $100,947, which is $0 above the Michigan state average of $100,947. Compared to the national median of $106,260, Grand Rapids pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Grand Rapids's cost of living is 90% 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 Grand Rapids spans from $64,600 at the 10th percentile to $163,400 at the 90th percentile — a $98,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $66,500, while senior chemical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $153,900. With a population of 198,917, Grand Rapids is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Chemical Engineer Salary in Grand Rapids by Experience

In Grand Rapids, an entry-level chemical engineer earns around $66,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $153,900 per year. The local cost of living index 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

Salary Percentiles in Grand Rapids, MI

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

Chemical Engineer Salary in Other Michigan Cities

Ann Arbor, MI
$116,886
Pop. 123,851
Detroit, MI
$98,822
Pop. 639,111
Warren, MI
$98,822
Pop. 139,387
Lansing, MI
$96,697
Pop. 112,644

How to Become a Chemical Engineer in Grand Rapids

Education

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

Find Chemical Engineer Jobs in Grand Rapids

Browse open chemical engineer positions in Grand Rapids, MI:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Chemical Engineer Salary in Grand Rapids

How much does a Chemical Engineer make in Grand Rapids, MI? ▼
The median chemical engineer salary in Grand Rapids, 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 Grand Rapids? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $100,947, a chemical engineer in Grand Rapids earns approximately $49 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Grand Rapids compare to the Michigan state average for chemical engineer pay? ▼
Grand Rapids's median chemical engineer salary of $100,947 is 0.0% above the Michigan state average of $100,947. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Grand Rapids, MI? ▼
Grand Rapids has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a chemical engineer salary of $100,947 in Grand Rapids has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemical engineer in Grand Rapids? ▼
Most chemical engineer positions in Grand Rapids 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.