Engineering Vancouver, WA Pop. 190,915

Chemical Engineer Salary in Vancouver, Washington

The median chemical engineer salary in Vancouver, WA is $108,385 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 11.3% below the Washington state average.

City Median
$108,385
vs State Avg
$-13,814
vs National
+$2,125
Cost of Living
102%

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

Vancouver offers a median chemical engineer salary of $108,385, which is $13,814 below the Washington state average of $122,199. Compared to the national median of $106,260, Vancouver pays above average for this role.

Vancouver'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 Vancouver 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 190,915, Vancouver is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Chemical Engineer Salary in Vancouver by Experience

In Vancouver, 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 Vancouver, WA

Percentile Vancouver
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 Washington Cities

Bellevue, WA
$161,515
Pop. 151,854
Seattle, WA
$157,265
Pop. 737,015
Tacoma, WA
$116,886
Pop. 219,346
Spokane, WA
$97,759
Pop. 228,989

How to Become a Chemical Engineer in Vancouver

Education

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

Find Chemical Engineer Jobs in Vancouver

Browse open chemical engineer positions in Vancouver, WA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Chemical Engineer Salary in Vancouver

How much does a Chemical Engineer make in Vancouver, WA? ▼
The median chemical engineer salary in Vancouver, Washington 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 Vancouver? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $108,385, a chemical engineer in Vancouver earns approximately $52 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Vancouver compare to the Washington state average for chemical engineer pay? ▼
Vancouver's median chemical engineer salary of $108,385 is 11.3% below the Washington state average of $122,199. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Vancouver, WA? ▼
Vancouver has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a chemical engineer salary of $108,385 in Vancouver has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemical engineer in Vancouver? ▼
Most chemical engineer positions in Vancouver 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.