Engineering Virginia Beach, VA Pop. 449,974

Chemical Engineer Salary in Virginia Beach, Virginia

The median chemical engineer salary in Virginia Beach, VA is $108,385 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 1.9% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$108,385
vs State Avg
$-2,125
vs National
+$2,125
Cost of Living
102%

Chemical Engineer Pay in Virginia Beach: What to Expect (2026)

Virginia Beach offers a median chemical engineer salary of $108,385, which is $2,125 below the Virginia state average of $110,510. Compared to the national median of $106,260, Virginia Beach pays above average for this role.

Virginia Beach's cost of living is 102% 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 Virginia Beach spans from $69,360 at the 10th percentile to $175,440 at the 90th percentile — a $106,080 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $71,400, while senior chemical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $165,240. With a population of 449,974, Virginia Beach is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Chemical Engineer Salary in Virginia Beach by Experience

In Virginia Beach, an entry-level chemical engineer earns around $71,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $165,240 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$71,400
+$1,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$110,160
+$2,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$165,240
+$3,240 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Virginia Beach, VA

Percentile Virginia Beach
10th Percentile $69,360
25th Percentile $85,680
Median (50th) $108,385
75th Percentile $140,760
90th Percentile $175,440

Chemical Engineer Salary in Other Virginia Cities

How to Become a Chemical Engineer in Virginia Beach

Education

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

Find Chemical Engineer Jobs in Virginia Beach

Browse open chemical engineer positions in Virginia Beach, VA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Chemical Engineer Salary in Virginia Beach

How much does a Chemical Engineer make in Virginia Beach, VA? ▼
The median chemical engineer salary in Virginia Beach, Virginia is $108,385 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $106,260. Salaries range from $69,360 (10th percentile) to $175,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemical Engineer make per hour in Virginia Beach? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $108,385, a chemical engineer in Virginia Beach earns approximately $52 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Virginia Beach compare to the Virginia state average for chemical engineer pay? ▼
Virginia Beach's median chemical engineer salary of $108,385 is 1.9% below the Virginia state average of $110,510. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Virginia Beach, VA? ▼
Virginia Beach has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a chemical engineer salary of $108,385 in Virginia Beach has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemical engineer in Virginia Beach? ▼
Most chemical engineer positions in Virginia Beach 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.