Chemical Engineer Salary in Houston, Texas
The median chemical engineer salary in Houston, TX is $102,010 per year, which is 4% below the national median and 4.3% above the Texas state average.
Chemical Engineer Pay in Houston: What to Expect (2026)
Houston offers a median chemical engineer salary of $102,010, which is $4,251 above the Texas state average of $97,759. Compared to the national median of $106,260, Houston pays below the national benchmark for this role.
Houston's cost of living is 96% 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 Houston spans from $65,280 at the 10th percentile to $165,120 at the 90th percentile — a $99,840 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $67,200, while senior chemical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $155,520. As a major metro area with a population of 2,304,580, Houston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.
Chemical Engineer Salary in Houston by Experience
In Houston, an entry-level chemical engineer earns around $67,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $155,520 per year. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Houston, TX
| Percentile | Houston |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $65,280 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,640 |
| Median (50th) | $102,010 |
| 75th Percentile | $132,480 |
| 90th Percentile | $165,120 |
Chemical Engineer Salary in Other Texas Cities
How to Become a Chemical Engineer in Houston
Education
Most chemical engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Houston and the surrounding Texas 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 Houston may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Chemical Engineer Jobs in Houston
Browse open chemical engineer positions in Houston, TX: