Chemical Engineer Salary in Reading, Pennsylvania
The median chemical engineer salary in Reading, PA is $93,509 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 8.3% below the Pennsylvania state average.
Chemical Engineer Pay in Reading: What to Expect (2026)
Reading offers a median chemical engineer salary of $93,509, which is $8,501 below the Pennsylvania state average of $102,010. Compared to the national median of $106,260, Reading pays below the national benchmark for this role.
One of Reading's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $93,509 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $106,260 in an average-cost city. This makes Reading an attractive option for chemical engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for chemical engineers in Reading spans from $59,840 at the 10th percentile to $151,360 at the 90th percentile — a $91,520 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $61,600, while senior chemical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $142,560. Reading is a smaller market (pop. 95,112), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.
Chemical Engineer Salary in Reading by Experience
In Reading, an entry-level chemical engineer earns around $61,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $142,560 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Reading, PA
| Percentile | Reading |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $59,840 |
| 25th Percentile | $73,920 |
| Median (50th) | $93,509 |
| 75th Percentile | $121,440 |
| 90th Percentile | $151,360 |
Chemical Engineer Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities
How to Become a Chemical Engineer in Reading
Education
Most chemical engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Reading and the surrounding Pennsylvania 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 Reading may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Chemical Engineer Jobs in Reading
Browse open chemical engineer positions in Reading, PA: