Chemical Engineer Salary in Salem, Oregon
The median chemical engineer salary in Salem, OR is $108,385 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 7.3% below the Oregon state average.
Chemical Engineer Pay in Salem: What to Expect (2026)
Salem offers a median chemical engineer salary of $108,385, which is $8,501 below the Oregon state average of $116,886. Compared to the national median of $106,260, Salem pays above average for this role.
Salem's cost of living is 102% 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 Salem spans from $69,360 at the 10th percentile to $175,440 at the 90th percentile — a $106,080 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $71,400, while senior chemical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $165,240. With a population of 175,535, Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Chemical Engineer Salary in Salem by Experience
In Salem, an entry-level chemical engineer earns around $71,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $165,240 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Salem, OR
| Percentile | Salem |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $69,360 |
| 25th Percentile | $85,680 |
| Median (50th) | $108,385 |
| 75th Percentile | $140,760 |
| 90th Percentile | $175,440 |
Chemical Engineer Salary in Other Oregon Cities
How to Become a Chemical Engineer in Salem
Education
Most chemical engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Salem and the surrounding Oregon area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, chemical engineer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Salem may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Chemical Engineer Jobs in Salem
Browse open chemical engineer positions in Salem, OR: