Learn more about chemical engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. They design processes and equipment for large-scale manufacturing, plan and test production methods and byproducts treatment, and direct facility operations. Most states recognize licensure from other states, as long as the licensing state’s requirements meet or exceed their own licensure requirements. ABET accredits engineering programs. One such technique, emulsion -- a process that forces oil and water by using an agent to stabilize molecules -- produces lotions, sunscreens, liquid foundations and body creams. Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for chemical engineers. Whether they are working on ways to clean up or prevent pollution, safely dispose of toxic waste, or manage a sewage treatment plant, there is no shortage of opportunities for a chemical engineer to work in environmental science. For example, chemical engineers are important in the automotive industry, for work with batteries, tires, and engines. Take our free career test to find out if chemical engineer is one of your top career matches. They design processes and equipment for large-scale manufacturing, plan and test production methods and byproducts treatment, and direct facility operations. In addition, chemical engineers work in the production of energy, electronics, food, clothing, and paper. Chemical engineers must troubleshoot designs that do not work as planned. In May 2020, the median annual wages for chemical engineers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows: A 2015 survey report by the American Institute of Chemical Engineers indicated that the median yearly salary of those with no supervisory responsibility was $106,300. Math skills. They have all the basic engineering training in mathematics and physics as well as an in-depth mastery of chemistry and biology. Chemical engineers are among the highest paid professionals in engineering with an average wage of $99,440 per year as of May 2011, according the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Chemical Engineer Salary in the United States How much does the average Chemical Engineer make in the United States?. One limitation of education is that a lot of time is spent learning theory, but very little time is spent getting experience on how things really work in the outside world. Other chemical engineers may spend their whole work day in the lab. Some specialize in a particular chemical process, such as polymerization, or oxidation. Chemical Engineers design chemical plant equipment and devise processes for manufacturing chemicals and products, such as gasoline, synthetic rubber, plastics, detergents, cement, paper, and pulp, by applying principles and technology of chemistry, physics, and engineering. The ability of these engineers to stay on the forefront of new emerging technologies will sustain employment growth. The link(s) below go to OEWS data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Chemical engineers use design skills supported by their knowledge of the sciences to develop techniques to manipulate molecules that make up chemicals. Employment projections data for chemical engineers, 2019-29, Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections. For more information, see the profile on sales engineers. Occasionally, they may have to work additional hours to meet production targets and design standards or to troubleshoot problems with manufacturing processes. Chemical engineers are sometimes called "universal engineers" because their knowledge base and abilities are so broad. Increased availability of domestically produced natural gas should increase manufacturing potential in the industries employing these engineers. Nuclear engineers research and develop the processes, instruments, and systems used to derive benefits from nuclear energy and radiation. A degree in chemistry looks at the analytical, organic, inorganic, and biochemistry side of chemistry. It's important to think about what area you can see yourself in, as well as the type of environment you can see yourself working in. During high school, students can attend engineering summer camps to see what these and other engineers do. Each state issues its own licenses. What does a chemical engineer do? Creativity. Because their role is to put scientific principles into practice in manufacturing industries, chemical engineers must develop good working relationships with other workers involved in production processes. The State and Area Data tab provides links to state and area occupational data from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, state projections data from Projections Central, and occupational information from the Department of Labor's CareerOneStop. Still others specialize in developing specific products. It focuses on certain aspects of math and physics, such as fluid dynamics, distillation, absorption, leeching and membrane separation, heat transfer, and equipment design. Chemical engineers use the principles of advanced math topics such as calculus for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work. They must ask the right questions and then find answers that work. ABET-accredited programs in chemical engineering include courses in chemistry, physics, and biology. They are primarily interested in finding efficient, economical ways to turn raw materials into high-quality finished goods. A graduate degree, which may include a degree up to the Ph.D. level, allows an engineer to work in research and development or as a postsecondary teacher. Because they can transform raw materials into useful products that we can all use, such as clothes, food, drink, and energy. They are curious, methodical, rational, analytical, and logical. Architectural and engineering managers plan, direct, and coordinate activities in architectural and engineering companies. https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any It is their job to ensure that the processes run smoothly and in the most economical manner possible. Many chemical engineers work in manufacturing, designing machines and plants. This translates into huge differences in scale. The percent change of employment for each occupation from 2019 to 2029. An excellent way to get experience and meet people is to seek out summer internship opportunities early on, and use your internships to build a portfolio of products/projects. Nearly all chemical engineers work full time. Chemical engineers must have a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or a related field. Always try to make an effort to solve a problem on your own first. Engineers who pass this exam are commonly called engineers in training (EITs) or engineer interns (EIs). Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of chemical engineers with similar occupations. In large companies, new engineers also may receive formal training in classrooms or seminars. Several states require engineers to take continuing education to keep their licenses. Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. In particular, chemical engineers design plant equipment and devise processes for manufacturing chemicals and products by applying principles and technology of chemistry, physics, and engineering. External Resources. The site is secure. For instance, a chemical engineer can work in healthcare, construction, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, petrochemicals, food processing, biotechnology, design, polymers, environmental health and safety, pulp and paper, and specialty chemicals. For example, chemical engineers are needed for designing and manufacturing computer parts and other electronics, and they work closely with electronic engineers. It is extremely difficult to predict what tomorrow duties will consist of, … These engineers also design equipment for large-scale sustainable and … This tab may also describe opportunities for part-time work, the amount and type of travel required, any safety equipment that is used, and the risk of injury that workers may face. What is the difference between a chemical engineer and a materials scientist? Demand for chemical engineers’ services depends largely on demand for the products of various manufacturing industries. What does a Chemical Engineer do? In designing equipment and processes for manufacturing, these engineers must be able to anticipate and identify problems, including such issues as workers’ safety and problems related to manufacturing and environmental protection. Entry-level engineers usually work under the supervision of experienced engineers. Chemists and materials scientists study substances at the atomic and molecular levels and analyze the ways in which the substances interact with one another. A materials scientist translates between what the chemists and physicists are working on, to what the engineering researchers are working on. If you are still struggling, take advantage of their knowledge and willingness to help. Chemical engineers work mostly in offices or laboratories. State licensure generally requires. An energy engineer will be involved in the development of existing processes and the creation of new avenues for enhancing energy usage and extraction, and is closely related to professions such as a nuclear or petroleum engineer. This … Before a chemical engineer brings these materials to full scale production, there is plenty of experimentation in the laboratory. $114470 per year. Attending these camps can help students plan their coursework for the remainder of their time in high school. Prospective employers will always view a graduate more seriously if they have had previous work experience. The need to find alternative fuels to meet increasing energy demand while maintaining environmental sustainability will continue to require the expertise of chemical engineers in oil- and gas-related industries. Chemical engineers gain knowledge in chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics in order to solve problems related to the production or use of chemicals. Median wage data are from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey. Chemical engineers apply the principles of chemistry, biology, physics, and math to solve problems that involve the production or use of chemicals, fuel, drugs, food, and many other products. The Role of Chemical Engineers. A chemical engineer influences various areas of technology by thinking of and designing processes for producing, transforming, and transporting materials. Friday, April 9, 2021. This tab also includes links to relevant occupational information from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). Average hourly wage. Chemical engineers apply the principles of chemistry, biology, physics, and math to solve problems that involve the use of fuel, drugs, food, and many other products. Chemical engineering is the branch of engineering that deals with chemical production and the manufacture of products through chemical processes. The Formula. This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of chemical engineers. The projected percent change in employment from 2019 to 2029. The projected percent change in employment from 2019 to 2029. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. Get to know your professors, and develop a relationship with them so that you are comfortable enough to approach them when you need help or need questions answered. What is it like being a chemical engineer. They may spend time at industrial plants, refineries, and other locations, where they monitor or direct operations or solve onsite problems. Work experience that is commonly considered necessary by employers, or is a commonly accepted substitute for more formal types of training or education. The More Information tab provides the Internet addresses of associations, government agencies, unions, and other organizations that can provide additional information on the occupation. The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. What is the workplace of a Chemical Engineer like? A degree in chemical engineering is appropriate for students who are interested in getting an engineering degree in chemical applications (as opposed to theoretical foundations). Some engineers travel extensively to plants or worksites, both domestically and abroad. Preparing for management positions usually requires working under the guidance of a more experienced chemical engineer. They develop manufacturing equipment, materials and processes and oversee production methods. In these programs, students gain practical experience while completing their education. Would you make a good chemical engineer? They are instrumental in creating and manufacturing drugs as well as medical and surgical supplies - everything from catheters to artificial kidneys or prosthetics. It is the branch of engineering concerned with the design, construction, and operation of machines and plants that perform chemical reactions to solve practical problems or make useful products. At some universities, students can opt to enroll in 5-year engineering programs that lead to both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree. Employment of chemical engineers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2019 to 2029, about as fast as the average for all occupations. It does not include pay for self-employed workers, agriculture workers, or workers in private households because these data are not collected by the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, the source of BLS wage data in the OOH. About three-fourths of chemical engineers work in the manufacturing industries in some capacity. The initial FE exam can be taken after one earns a bachelor’s degree. It may also discuss the major industries that employed the occupation. Chemical engineering is the analysis or design of chemical processes to effectively convert materials into more useful materials or into energy. Eventually, chemical engineers may advance to supervise a team of engineers and technicians. and testing new materials that can be used in new consumer or industrial products. The options are endless. Well, their task is to design, develop systems & processes and operate the equipment, that is used to transform raw materials into final useful products. Chemical engineers are people who use their knowledge of chemistry in an industrial setting, to create new substances and products and improve the quality and production process of existing ones. Adaptability and flexibility. Ingenuity. The Work Environment tab includes the number of jobs held in the occupation and describes the workplace, the level of physical activity expected, and typical hours worked. Chemical technicians use special instruments and techniques to assist chemists and chemical engineers. Some of them are also realistic, meaning they’re independent, stable, persistent, genuine, practical, and thrifty. As junior engineers gain knowledge and experience, they move to more difficult projects with greater independence to develop designs, solve problems, and make decisions. Bioengineers and biomedical engineers combine engineering principles with sciences to design and create equipment, devices, computer systems, and software. The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. Licensing generally requires a degree from an accredited engineering program, passing scores on Fundamentals of Engineering (FE, taken just after graduation) and Principals and Practice of Engineering (PPE) exams, and four years of engineering experience. With so many different industries employing chemical engineers, there is a wide variety of workplace environments. The Pay tab describes typical earnings and how workers in the occupation are compensated—annual salaries, hourly wages, commissions, tips, or bonuses. Large corporations, government entities, and small firms all need chemical engineers. Chemical engineers have distinct personalities. Chemical engineers apply the principles of chemistry, biology, physics, and math to solve problems that involve the production or use of chemicals, fuel, drugs, food, and many other products. In addition, the integration of chemical and biological sciences and rapid advances in innovation will create new areas in biotechnology and in medical and pharmaceutical fields for them to work in. The Similar Occupations tab describes occupations that share similar duties, skills, interests, education, or training with the occupation covered in the profile. These are just a few examples of what a chemical engineer can do. Energy and oil industries have always needed chemical engineers, but other job opportunities are growing even more. Some chemical engineers work more than 40 hours per week. I went into the chemical industry and then ended up in higher education. Their work environment can be in a lab, a plant, an office building, a construction site, or an oil and gas site. Chemical engineers apply the principles of chemistry, biology, physics, and math to solve problems that involve the production or use of chemicals, fuel, drugs, food, and many other products. This tab can include information on education, training, work experience, licensing and certification, and important qualities that are required or helpful for entering or working in the occupation. Some engineers have the advantage of working in different areas, such as designing projects on the computer, testing them in the lab, and then moving on to the manufacturing phase. The employment, or size, of this occupation in 2019, which is the base year of the 2019-29 employment projections. For more information on becoming a chemical engineer, visit, For information about general engineering education and career resources, visit, American Society for Engineering Education, For information about accredited engineering programs, visit, For information on internships opportunities, visit, American Institute of Chemical Engineers Career Center, For more information about licensure as a professional engineer, visit, National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying, National Society of Professional Engineers. What does a chemical engineer do all day? For most profiles, this tab has a table with wages in the major industries employing the occupation. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. Chemical Engineers are also known as: Getting into this field normally requires a chemical engineering degree or an engineering … Another growing field for chemical engineers is environmental engineering. Why is this so useful? Careers in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals are also very abundant for chemical engineers. They may spend time at industrial plants, refineries, and other locations, where they monitor or direct operations or solve onsite problems. They also test and plan ways to manufacture products and may supervise its production. An official website of the United States government Percent change in employment, projected 2019-29, Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program. They tend to be investigative individuals, which means they’re intellectual, introspective, and inquisitive. In addition, chemical engineering will continue to migrate into dynamic fields, such as nanotechnology, alternative energies, and biotechnology, and thereby help to sustain demand for engineering services in many manufacturing industries. They are responsible for the research, design, and development of materials, and will focus on how the physical structure of a certain material will affect the property of the material. Chemical engineers held about 32,600 jobs in 2019. More than 32,000 chemical engineers work in the U.S. today. A PE can oversee the work of other engineers, sign off on projects, and provide services directly to the public. They also should take math courses, including algebra, trigonometry, and calculus. They run large scale chemical reactions, and focus on processes to get molecules to react with one another at scale and with a desired process yield. Employment of chemical engineers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2019 to 2029, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Your network can be your professors, your peers, or people you've met at extracurricular lectures, networking events, workshops, or internships. Engineering is a career path that works! You will need to work well with teams, both at school and when employed, so patience and listening skills that are developed early on will come in handy. Graduates are able to work in entry-level positions in engineering, or can continue their education by pursuing a master's or doctoral degree. Employers also value practical experience. A chemical engineer is an engineer who focuses on making industrial and consumer products through chemical methods. Read more about what does a Chemical Engineer really do at work and what is it like being and working as one. 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