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METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Chemical Engineers salary in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Pittsburgh 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$133,880
Mean annual$130,210
Range (10th to 90th)$85,000 to $170,250
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania employment170
State vs national+18.9% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Pittsburgh chemical engineers fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

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

10TH$85,00025TH$93,550MEDIAN$133,88075TH$170,25090TH$170,250

The middle 50% of workers earn between $93,550 and $170,250, with a median of $133,880.

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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Other metros in Pennsylvania

How the Pittsburgh metro compares to other major Pennsylvania metro areas for chemical engineers.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Chemical Engineers in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Chemical Engineers in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area is $133,880.
Does Pittsburgh pay more than the Pennsylvania state average for Chemical Engineers?
The Pittsburgh metro median is +25.1% versus the Pennsylvania state median of $107,040.
How does Pittsburgh compare to the national median for Chemical Engineers?
The Pittsburgh metro median is +18.9% versus the BLS national figure of $112,605.
What is the salary range for Chemical Engineers in Pittsburgh?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $85,000 and the 90th-percentile at $170,250 for the Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh 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.