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METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Chemical Engineers salary in Detroit, Michigan

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Detroit metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated April 30, 2026
Median annual$108,760
Mean annual$113,550
Range (10th to 90th)$81,150 to $148,240
Detroit, Michigan employment220
State vs national-3.4% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Detroit chemical engineers fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

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

10TH$81,15025TH$100,440MEDIAN$108,76075TH$128,50090TH$148,240

The middle 50% of workers earn between $100,440 and $128,500, with a median of $108,760.

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)

  1. 01

    Monitor and analyze data from processes and experiments.

  2. 02

    Develop safety procedures to be employed by workers operating equipment or working in close proximity to ongoing chemical reactions.

  3. 03

    Develop processes to separate components of liquids or gases or generate electrical currents, using controlled chemical processes.

  4. 04

    Troubleshoot problems with chemical manufacturing processes.

  5. 05

    Evaluate chemical equipment and processes to identify ways to optimize performance or to ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.

  6. 06

    Conduct research to develop new and improved chemical manufacturing processes.

  7. 07

    Perform laboratory studies of steps in manufacture of new products and test proposed processes in small-scale operation, such as a pilot plant.

  8. 08

    Prepare estimate of production costs and production progress reports for management.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Chemical Engineers in Detroit, Michigan?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Chemical Engineers in the Detroit metropolitan area is $108,760.
Does Detroit pay more than the Michigan state average for Chemical Engineers?
The Detroit metro median is +1.9% versus the Michigan state median of $106,690.
How does Detroit compare to the national median for Chemical Engineers?
The Detroit metro median is -3.4% versus the BLS national figure of $112,605.
What is the salary range for Chemical Engineers in Detroit?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $81,150 and the 90th-percentile at $148,240 for the Detroit 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 Detroit 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.