Engineering Richmond, VA Pop. 226,610

Chemical Engineer Salary in Richmond, Virginia

The median chemical engineer salary in Richmond, VA is $106,260 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 3.8% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$106,260
vs State Avg
$-4,250
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

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

Richmond offers a median chemical engineer salary of $106,260, which is $4,250 below the Virginia state average of $110,510. Compared to the national median of $106,260, Richmond pays above average for this role.

Richmond's cost of living is 100% 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 Richmond spans from $68,000 at the 10th percentile to $172,000 at the 90th percentile — a $104,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $70,000, while senior chemical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $162,000. With a population of 226,610, Richmond is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Chemical Engineer Salary in Richmond by Experience

In Richmond, an entry-level chemical engineer earns around $70,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $162,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$70,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$108,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$162,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Richmond, VA

Percentile Richmond
10th Percentile $68,000
25th Percentile $84,000
Median (50th) $106,260
75th Percentile $138,000
90th Percentile $172,000

Chemical Engineer Salary in Other Virginia Cities

How to Become a Chemical Engineer in Richmond

Education

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

Find Chemical Engineer Jobs in Richmond

Browse open chemical engineer positions in Richmond, VA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Chemical Engineer Salary in Richmond

How much does a Chemical Engineer make in Richmond, VA? ▼
The median chemical engineer salary in Richmond, Virginia is $106,260 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $106,260. Salaries range from $68,000 (10th percentile) to $172,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemical Engineer make per hour in Richmond? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $106,260, a chemical engineer in Richmond earns approximately $51 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Richmond compare to the Virginia state average for chemical engineer pay? ▼
Richmond's median chemical engineer salary of $106,260 is 3.8% below the Virginia state average of $110,510. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Richmond, VA? ▼
Richmond has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a chemical engineer salary of $106,260 in Richmond has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemical engineer in Richmond? ▼
Most chemical engineer positions in Richmond 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.