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State comparison · 2025

Chemical Engineers salary: Pennsylvania vs Virginia

Occupation

Chemical Engineers in Virginia earn a median of $136,380. In Pennsylvania, $116,970. After cost-of-living, the gap is 11.2% — not 14.2%.

Nominal pay gap
-14.2%
Pennsylvania vs Virginia
COL-adjusted gap
-11.2%
After BEA Regional Price Parities

Pennsylvania

Chemical Engineers

Median
$116,970
p25
$91,520
p75
$168,060
p10
$79,940
p90
$177,510
COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
97.6
Hiring velocity (180d)
-62%
See full breakdown for Pennsylvania

Virginia

Chemical Engineers

Median
$136,380
p25
$100,680
p75
$156,080
p10
$92,540
p90
$176,950
COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
101.1
Hiring velocity (180d)
0%
See full breakdown for Virginia

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. Cost-of-living adjustment from BEA Regional Price Parities (overall index). Hiring velocity from DOL OFLC public disclosure data, recent 180 days vs prior. See methodology.