Engineering Columbus, OH Pop. 905,748

Chemical Engineer Salary in Columbus, Ohio

The median chemical engineer salary in Columbus, OH is $100,947 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 5.6% above the Ohio state average.

City Median
$100,947
vs State Avg
+$5,313
vs National
$-5,313
Cost of Living
95%

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

Columbus offers a median chemical engineer salary of $100,947, which is $5,313 above the Ohio state average of $95,634. Compared to the national median of $106,260, Columbus pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Columbus's cost of living is 95% 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 Columbus 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. As a major metro area with a population of 905,748, Columbus typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Chemical Engineer Salary in Columbus by Experience

In Columbus, 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 95% 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 Columbus, OH

Percentile Columbus
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 Ohio Cities

Cincinnati, OH
$95,634
Pop. 309,317
Cleveland, OH
$91,384
Pop. 372,624
Akron, OH
$89,258
Pop. 190,469
Toledo, OH
$87,133
Pop. 270,871

How to Become a Chemical Engineer in Columbus

Education

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

Find Chemical Engineer Jobs in Columbus

Browse open chemical engineer positions in Columbus, OH:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chemical Engineer Salary in Columbus

How much does a Chemical Engineer make in Columbus, OH? ▼
The median chemical engineer salary in Columbus, Ohio 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 Columbus? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $100,947, a chemical engineer in Columbus earns approximately $49 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbus compare to the Ohio state average for chemical engineer pay? ▼
Columbus's median chemical engineer salary of $100,947 is 5.6% above the Ohio state average of $95,634. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbus, OH? ▼
Columbus has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a chemical engineer salary of $100,947 in Columbus has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemical engineer in Columbus? ▼
Most chemical engineer positions in Columbus 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.