Engineering Austin, TX Pop. 978,908

Chemical Engineer Salary in Austin, Texas

The median chemical engineer salary in Austin, TX is $111,573 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 14.1% above the Texas state average.

City Median
$111,573
vs State Avg
+$13,814
vs National
+$5,313
Cost of Living
105%

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

Austin offers a median chemical engineer salary of $111,573, which is $13,814 above the Texas state average of $97,759. Compared to the national median of $106,260, Austin pays above average for this role.

Austin's cost of living is 105% 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 Austin spans from $71,400 at the 10th percentile to $180,600 at the 90th percentile — a $109,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $73,500, while senior chemical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $170,100. As a major metro area with a population of 978,908, Austin typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Chemical Engineer Salary in Austin by Experience

In Austin, an entry-level chemical engineer earns around $73,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $170,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$73,500
+$3,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$113,400
+$5,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$170,100
+$8,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Austin, TX

Percentile Austin
10th Percentile $71,400
25th Percentile $88,200
Median (50th) $111,573
75th Percentile $144,900
90th Percentile $180,600

Chemical Engineer Salary in Other Texas Cities

Dallas, TX
$106,260
Pop. 1,304,379
Houston, TX
$102,010
Pop. 2,304,580
Fort Worth, TX
$97,759
Pop. 918,915
San Antonio, TX
$93,509
Pop. 1,434,625

How to Become a Chemical Engineer in Austin

Education

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

Find Chemical Engineer Jobs in Austin

Browse open chemical engineer positions in Austin, TX:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Chemical Engineer Salary in Austin

How much does a Chemical Engineer make in Austin, TX? ▼
The median chemical engineer salary in Austin, Texas is $111,573 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $106,260. Salaries range from $71,400 (10th percentile) to $180,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemical Engineer make per hour in Austin? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $111,573, a chemical engineer in Austin earns approximately $54 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Austin compare to the Texas state average for chemical engineer pay? ▼
Austin's median chemical engineer salary of $111,573 is 14.1% above the Texas state average of $97,759. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Austin, TX? ▼
Austin has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a chemical engineer salary of $111,573 in Austin has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemical engineer in Austin? ▼
Most chemical engineer positions in Austin 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.