Chemical Engineers Salary in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Median annual salary $129,040 +5.9% vs national
Median hourly $62.04
10th percentile $88,500
90th percentile $182,810
Employed locally 870
National median $121,860

Compare Chemical Engineers salary & buying power

Type a city below to see how Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV stacks up on salary and cost of living.

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Chemical Engineers
in
Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $88,500
    25th
    $95,040
    50th (median)
    $129,040
    75th
    $166,610
    90th
    $182,810

    Washington economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $123,896 2023 • Census ACS
    Chemical Engineers salary vs area income 104% Median Chemical Engineers salary is 4% above the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Chemical Engineers

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Tulsa, OK $169,250
    Albuquerque, NM $163,380
    Oklahoma $160,990
    Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX $152,290
    Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD $151,360
    New Mexico $147,290

    Related occupations in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV

    OccupationMedian salary
    Civil Engineers $100,370
    Engineers, All Other $162,610
    Mechanical Engineers $121,060
    Electrical Engineers $136,820
    Architects, Except Landscape and Naval $106,120
    Aerospace Engineers $157,980

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Chemical Engineers make per hour in Washington?

    The median hourly wage for Chemical Engineers in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV is $62.04, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $89.35 or more per hour.

    Is Washington above or below average for Chemical Engineers salaries?

    The median Chemical Engineers salary in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV is 5.9% above the national median of $121,860. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Chemical Engineers in Washington?

    Entry-level Chemical Engineers (10th percentile) earn around $88,500 per year in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $95,040.