Engineering Texas (TX) Rank #31 of 50

Chemical Engineer Salary in Texas

The median chemical engineer salary in Texas is $97,759 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $106,260.

Median Salary
$97,759
vs National
$-8,501
State Rank
#31 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Chemical Engineer Salary Overview in Texas (2026)

Texas ranks #31 out of 50 states for chemical engineer compensation. Chemical Engineer salaries in Texas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $97,759 per year, chemical engineers in Texas earn $8,501 less than the national median of $106,260.

A key advantage of working in Texas is its below-average cost of living (92% of the national index). This means the $97,759 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $106,260 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Texas is significant: chemical engineers at the 10th percentile earn $62,560, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $158,240 — a $95,680 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Texas for this role is Austin, where the median reaches $111,573.

Nationally, chemical engineer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for chemical engineers across the country.

Chemical Engineer Salary in Texas by Experience

In Texas, an entry-level chemical engineer earns around $64,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $149,040 per year. The cost of living index in Texas is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$64,400
$-5,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$99,360
$-8,640 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$149,040
$-12,960 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Texas

Percentile TX Salary
10th Percentile $62,560
25th Percentile $77,280
Median (50th) $97,759
75th Percentile $126,960
90th Percentile $158,240

Chemical Engineer Salary by City in Texas

The largest employment areas for chemical engineers in Texas include Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Chemical Engineer in Texas

Education

Most chemical engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Texas has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Process EngineeringChemical ProcessesASPENSafety EngineeringQuality ControlThermodynamics

Job Outlook in Texas

Nationally, chemical engineer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Texas's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chemical Engineer Salary in Texas

How much does a Chemical Engineer make in Texas? ▼
The median chemical engineer salary in Texas is $97,759 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $106,260. Salaries range from $62,560 (10th percentile) to $158,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemical Engineer make per hour in Texas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $97,759, a chemical engineer in Texas earns approximately $47 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Texas a good state for chemical engineers? ▼
Texas ranks #31 out of 50 states for chemical engineer pay. The cost of living index is 92% of the national average. Entry-level chemical engineers earn $64,400, while senior professionals earn $149,040.
How does Texas compare to other states for chemical engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for chemical engineers is Hawaii at $180,642. Texas's median of $97,759 ranks #31 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include New Mexico ($98,822) and North Carolina ($97,759).
What is the entry-level chemical engineer salary in Texas? ▼
An entry-level chemical engineer in Texas earns approximately $64,400 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $99,360. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $149,040.
What city in Texas pays chemical engineers the most? ▼
Austin is the highest paying city in Texas for chemical engineers, with a median salary of $111,573. Other cities include Houston and Dallas.