What is the median salary for Chemical Engineers in San Jose, California?

According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Chemical Engineers in the San Jose metropolitan area is $135,610.

How does San Jose compare to the national median for Chemical Engineers?

The San Jose metro median is +20.4% versus the BLS national figure of $112,605.

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 San Jose, California

Median annual$135,610

Mean annual$151,340

Range (10th to 90th)Not published

San Jose, California employment80

State vs national+20.4% vs national

Salary distribution

Where San Jose chemical engineers fall on the wage curve.

Distribution not available

The Bureau of Labor Statistics suppresses wage percentiles for this occupation and state when the surveyed cell has too few employers to publish without revealing individual firm pay. National figures and adjacent states below remain a useful reference.

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.

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Other metros in California

How the San Jose metro compares to other major California metro areas for chemical engineers.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Chemical Engineers in San Jose, California?: According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Chemical Engineers in the San Jose metropolitan area is $135,610.
How does San Jose compare to the national median for Chemical Engineers?: The San Jose metro median is +20.4% versus the BLS national figure of $112,605.
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 San Jose 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.