Chemical Engineer Salary in Tacoma, Washington
The median chemical engineer salary in Tacoma, WA is $116,886 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median and 4.3% below the Washington state average.
Chemical Engineer Pay in Tacoma: What to Expect (2026)
Tacoma offers a median chemical engineer salary of $116,886, which is $5,313 below the Washington state average of $122,199. Compared to the national median of $106,260, Tacoma pays above average for this role.
Tacoma's cost of living is 110% 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 Tacoma spans from $74,800 at the 10th percentile to $189,200 at the 90th percentile — a $114,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $77,000, while senior chemical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $178,200. With a population of 219,346, Tacoma is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Chemical Engineer Salary in Tacoma by Experience
In Tacoma, an entry-level chemical engineer earns around $77,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $178,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Tacoma, WA
| Percentile | Tacoma |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $74,800 |
| 25th Percentile | $92,400 |
| Median (50th) | $116,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $151,800 |
| 90th Percentile | $189,200 |
Chemical Engineer Salary in Other Washington Cities
How to Become a Chemical Engineer in Tacoma
Education
Most chemical engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Tacoma and the surrounding Washington 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 Tacoma may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Chemical Engineer Jobs in Tacoma
Browse open chemical engineer positions in Tacoma, WA: