Chemical Engineer vs Civil Engineer salary
In United States, a chemical engineer earns about 19% more than a civil engineer — $129,000 vs $108,000 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
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Engineering
Chemical Engineer$129,000/yr
- Monthly
- $10,800
- Hourly
- $62
- Range
- $87,200–$180,100
- 10-yr outlook
- +10%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Chemical Engineer | Civil Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $87,200 | $74,000 |
| 25th | $108,100 | $91,000 |
| Median | $129,000 | $108,000 |
| 75th | $154,500 | $128,800 |
| Senior (90th) | $180,100 | $149,600 |
National United States figures in USD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Engineering comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a chemical engineer or civil engineer earn more in United States?
- A chemical engineer earns more, at about $129,000 per year vs $108,000 for a civil engineer — roughly 19% ($21,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in United States?
- A chemical engineer typically earns $87,200–$180,100, while a civil engineer earns $74,000–$149,600 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in United States?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a chemical engineer averages about $10,800 and a civil engineer about $9,000.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in United States, a chemical engineer earns about $87,200 while a civil engineer earns about $74,000 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in United States, a chemical engineer earns about $180,100 while a civil engineer earns about $149,600 per year.
- Are chemical engineer and civil engineer similar careers?
- Both roles sit in the Engineering category on Pay by Role, which is why we compare them head-to-head. Day-to-day work still differs — review each job page for skills and outlook.