Chemical Engineer Salary in Winston-Salem, NC: $91,384 (2026)

Chemical Engineer Pay in Winston-Salem: What to Expect (2026)

Winston-Salem offers a median chemical engineer salary of $91,384, which is $6,375 below the North Carolina state average of $97,759. Compared to the national median of $106,260, Winston-Salem pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Winston-Salem's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $91,384 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $106,260 in an average-cost city. This makes Winston-Salem an attractive option for chemical engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for chemical engineers in Winston-Salem spans from $58,480 at the 10th percentile to $147,920 at the 90th percentile — a $89,440 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $60,200, while senior chemical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $139,320. With a population of 249,545, Winston-Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Chemical Engineer Salary in Winston-Salem by Experience

In Winston-Salem, an entry-level chemical engineer earns around $60,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $139,320 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$60,200

$-9,800 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$92,880

$-15,120 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$139,320

$-22,680 vs national

Percentile	Winston-Salem	NC State	National
10th Percentile	$58,480	$62,560	$68,000
25th Percentile	$72,240	$77,280	$84,000
Median (50th)	$91,384	$97,759	$106,260
75th Percentile	$118,680	$126,960	$138,000
90th Percentile	$147,920	$158,240	$172,000

Percentile

Winston-Salem

10th Percentile

$58,480

25th Percentile

$72,240

Median (50th)

$91,384

75th Percentile

$118,680

90th Percentile

$147,920

How to Become a Chemical Engineer in Winston-Salem

Education

Most chemical engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Winston-Salem and the surrounding North Carolina 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 Winston-Salem may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Chemical Engineer Salary in Winston-Salem

How much does a Chemical Engineer make in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

The median chemical engineer salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is $91,384 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $106,260. Salaries range from $58,480 (10th percentile) to $147,920 (90th percentile).

How much does a Chemical Engineer make per hour in Winston-Salem? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $91,384, a chemical engineer in Winston-Salem earns approximately $44 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Winston-Salem compare to the North Carolina state average for chemical engineer pay? ▼

Winston-Salem's median chemical engineer salary of $91,384 is 6.5% below the North Carolina state average of $97,759. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

Winston-Salem has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a chemical engineer salary of $91,384 in Winston-Salem has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a chemical engineer in Winston-Salem? ▼

Most chemical engineer positions in Winston-Salem 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.

Chemical Engineer Salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina