What is the median salary for Chemical Engineers in Los Angeles, California?

According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Chemical Engineers in the Los Angeles metropolitan area is $122,950.

How does Los Angeles compare to the national median for Chemical Engineers?

The Los Angeles metro median is +9.2% versus the BLS national figure of $112,605.

What is the salary range for Chemical Engineers in Los Angeles?

BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $76,980 and the 90th-percentile at $186,410 for the Los Angeles metro area.

What education is required for Chemical Engineers?

BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.

Chemical Engineers Salary in Los Angeles, California

Median annual$122,950

Mean annual$130,550

Range (10th to 90th)$76,980 to $186,410

Los Angeles, California employment300

State vs national+9.2% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Los Angeles chemical engineers fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

The middle 50% of workers earn between $90,260 and $155,740, with a median of $122,950.

Typical entry

Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None

Top skills (O*NET)

Engineering and Technology
Knowledge
5.0 / 5
Mathematics
Knowledge
4.8 / 5
Chemistry
Knowledge
4.8 / 5
Physics
Knowledge
4.4 / 5
Production and Processing
Knowledge
4.3 / 5
Design
Knowledge
4.3 / 5
Science
Basic skill
4.3 / 5
Complex Problem Solving
Technical
4.1 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

01
Monitor and analyze data from processes and experiments.
02
Develop safety procedures to be employed by workers operating equipment or working in close proximity to ongoing chemical reactions.
03
Develop processes to separate components of liquids or gases or generate electrical currents, using controlled chemical processes.
04
Troubleshoot problems with chemical manufacturing processes.
05
Evaluate chemical equipment and processes to identify ways to optimize performance or to ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
06
Conduct research to develop new and improved chemical manufacturing processes.
07
Perform laboratory studies of steps in manufacture of new products and test proposed processes in small-scale operation, such as a pilot plant.
08
Prepare estimate of production costs and production progress reports for management.

Build the skills employers list for Chemical Engineers

Online courses from licensed providers. We may earn a commission when you enroll. The commission does not influence our rankings or wage data.

Explore courses

Other metros in California

How the Los Angeles metro compares to other major California metro areas for chemical engineers.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Chemical Engineers in Los Angeles, California?: According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Chemical Engineers in the Los Angeles metropolitan area is $122,950.
How does Los Angeles compare to the national median for Chemical Engineers?: The Los Angeles metro median is +9.2% versus the BLS national figure of $112,605.
What is the salary range for Chemical Engineers in Los Angeles?: BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $76,980 and the 90th-percentile at $186,410 for the Los Angeles metro area.
What education is required for Chemical Engineers?: BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.

Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Los Angeles CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.