Engineering Paterson, NJ Pop. 159,732

Chemical Engineer Salary in Paterson, New Jersey

The median chemical engineer salary in Paterson, NJ is $111,573 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 8.7% below the New Jersey state average.

City Median
$111,573
vs State Avg
$-10,626
vs National
+$5,313
Cost of Living
105%

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

Paterson offers a median chemical engineer salary of $111,573, which is $10,626 below the New Jersey state average of $122,199. Compared to the national median of $106,260, Paterson pays above average for this role.

Paterson's cost of living is 105% 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 Paterson spans from $71,400 at the 10th percentile to $180,600 at the 90th percentile — a $109,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $73,500, while senior chemical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $170,100. With a population of 159,732, Paterson is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Chemical Engineer Salary in Paterson by Experience

In Paterson, an entry-level chemical engineer earns around $73,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $170,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$73,500
+$3,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$113,400
+$5,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$170,100
+$8,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Paterson, NJ

Percentile Paterson
10th Percentile $71,400
25th Percentile $88,200
Median (50th) $111,573
75th Percentile $144,900
90th Percentile $180,600

Chemical Engineer Salary in Other New Jersey Cities

Jersey City, NJ
$136,013
Pop. 292,449
Edison, NJ
$122,199
Pop. 107,588
Newark, NJ
$119,011
Pop. 311,549
Elizabeth, NJ
$114,761
Pop. 137,298

How to Become a Chemical Engineer in Paterson

Education

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

Find Chemical Engineer Jobs in Paterson

Browse open chemical engineer positions in Paterson, NJ:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chemical Engineer Salary in Paterson

How much does a Chemical Engineer make in Paterson, NJ? ▼
The median chemical engineer salary in Paterson, New Jersey is $111,573 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $106,260. Salaries range from $71,400 (10th percentile) to $180,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemical Engineer make per hour in Paterson? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $111,573, a chemical engineer in Paterson earns approximately $54 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Paterson compare to the New Jersey state average for chemical engineer pay? ▼
Paterson's median chemical engineer salary of $111,573 is 8.7% below the New Jersey state average of $122,199. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Paterson, NJ? ▼
Paterson has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a chemical engineer salary of $111,573 in Paterson has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemical engineer in Paterson? ▼
Most chemical engineer positions in Paterson 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.