Engineering Bellevue, WA Pop. 151,854

Chemical Engineer Salary in Bellevue, Washington

The median chemical engineer salary in Bellevue, WA is $161,515 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 32.2% above the Washington state average.

City Median
$161,515
vs State Avg
+$39,316
vs National
+$55,255
Cost of Living
152%

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

Bellevue offers a median chemical engineer salary of $161,515, which is $39,316 above the Washington state average of $122,199. Compared to the national median of $106,260, Bellevue pays above average for this role.

However, Bellevue's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $161,515 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $106,260. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Bellevue should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for chemical engineers in Bellevue spans from $103,360 at the 10th percentile to $261,440 at the 90th percentile — a $158,080 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $106,400, while senior chemical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $246,240. With a population of 151,854, Bellevue is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Chemical Engineer Salary in Bellevue by Experience

In Bellevue, an entry-level chemical engineer earns around $106,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $246,240 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$106,400
+$36,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$164,160
+$56,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$246,240
+$84,240 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Bellevue, WA

Percentile Bellevue
10th Percentile $103,360
25th Percentile $127,680
Median (50th) $161,515
75th Percentile $209,760
90th Percentile $261,440

Chemical Engineer Salary in Other Washington Cities

How to Become a Chemical Engineer in Bellevue

Education

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

Find Chemical Engineer Jobs in Bellevue

Browse open chemical engineer positions in Bellevue, WA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Chemical Engineer Salary in Bellevue

How much does a Chemical Engineer make in Bellevue, WA? ▼
The median chemical engineer salary in Bellevue, Washington is $161,515 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $106,260. Salaries range from $103,360 (10th percentile) to $261,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemical Engineer make per hour in Bellevue? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $161,515, a chemical engineer in Bellevue earns approximately $78 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Bellevue compare to the Washington state average for chemical engineer pay? ▼
Bellevue's median chemical engineer salary of $161,515 is 32.2% above the Washington state average of $122,199. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Bellevue, WA? ▼
Bellevue has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a chemical engineer salary of $161,515 in Bellevue has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemical engineer in Bellevue? ▼
Most chemical engineer positions in Bellevue 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.