Engineering Erie, PA Pop. 94,831

Chemical Engineer Salary in Erie, Pennsylvania

The median chemical engineer salary in Erie, PA is $89,258 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 12.5% below the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$89,258
vs State Avg
$-12,752
vs National
$-17,002
Cost of Living
84%

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

Erie offers a median chemical engineer salary of $89,258, which is $12,752 below the Pennsylvania state average of $102,010. Compared to the national median of $106,260, Erie pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Erie's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $89,258 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $106,260 in an average-cost city. This makes Erie an attractive option for chemical engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for chemical engineers in Erie spans from $57,120 at the 10th percentile to $144,480 at the 90th percentile — a $87,360 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $58,800, while senior chemical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $136,080. Erie is a smaller market (pop. 94,831), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Chemical Engineer Salary in Erie by Experience

In Erie, an entry-level chemical engineer earns around $58,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $136,080 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$58,800
$-11,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$90,720
$-17,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$136,080
$-25,920 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Erie, PA

Percentile Erie
10th Percentile $57,120
25th Percentile $70,560
Median (50th) $89,258
75th Percentile $115,920
90th Percentile $144,480

Chemical Engineer Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Philadelphia, PA
$108,385
Pop. 1,603,797
Allentown, PA
$99,884
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$98,822
Pop. 302,971
Reading, PA
$93,509
Pop. 95,112

How to Become a Chemical Engineer in Erie

Education

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

Find Chemical Engineer Jobs in Erie

Browse open chemical engineer positions in Erie, PA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chemical Engineer Salary in Erie

How much does a Chemical Engineer make in Erie, PA? ▼
The median chemical engineer salary in Erie, Pennsylvania is $89,258 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $106,260. Salaries range from $57,120 (10th percentile) to $144,480 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemical Engineer make per hour in Erie? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $89,258, a chemical engineer in Erie earns approximately $43 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Erie compare to the Pennsylvania state average for chemical engineer pay? ▼
Erie's median chemical engineer salary of $89,258 is 12.5% below the Pennsylvania state average of $102,010. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Erie, PA? ▼
Erie has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a chemical engineer salary of $89,258 in Erie has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemical engineer in Erie? ▼
Most chemical engineer positions in Erie 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.