Engineering Norfolk, VA Pop. 238,005

Chemical Engineer Salary in Norfolk, Virginia

The median chemical engineer salary in Norfolk, VA is $102,010 per year, which is 4% below the national median and 7.7% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$102,010
vs State Avg
$-8,500
vs National
$-4,250
Cost of Living
96%

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

Norfolk offers a median chemical engineer salary of $102,010, which is $8,500 below the Virginia state average of $110,510. Compared to the national median of $106,260, Norfolk pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Norfolk'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 Norfolk 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. With a population of 238,005, Norfolk is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Chemical Engineer Salary in Norfolk by Experience

In Norfolk, 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.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$67,200
$-2,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$103,680
$-4,320 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$155,520
$-6,480 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Norfolk, VA

Percentile Norfolk
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 Virginia Cities

Arlington, VA
$140,263
Pop. 238,643
Virginia Beach, VA
$108,385
Pop. 449,974
Richmond, VA
$106,260
Pop. 226,610
Chesapeake, VA
$104,135
Pop. 249,422

How to Become a Chemical Engineer in Norfolk

Education

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

Find Chemical Engineer Jobs in Norfolk

Browse open chemical engineer positions in Norfolk, VA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chemical Engineer Salary in Norfolk

How much does a Chemical Engineer make in Norfolk, VA? ▼
The median chemical engineer salary in Norfolk, Virginia is $102,010 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $106,260. Salaries range from $65,280 (10th percentile) to $165,120 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemical Engineer make per hour in Norfolk? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $102,010, a chemical engineer in Norfolk earns approximately $49 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Norfolk compare to the Virginia state average for chemical engineer pay? ▼
Norfolk's median chemical engineer salary of $102,010 is 7.7% below the Virginia state average of $110,510. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Norfolk, VA? ▼
Norfolk has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a chemical engineer salary of $102,010 in Norfolk has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemical engineer in Norfolk? ▼
Most chemical engineer positions in Norfolk 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.