Chemical Engineer
At a Glance
Chemical engineers design and operate equipment and processes that bring about a change to physical matter
(solids, liquids, and gases).
BC Focus Areas
Science & Applied Science
Earnings
Earnings Range: 45K - 130K
Level of Education
University
Core Tasks
Design machines and processes to produce chemical effects, such as refining oil
Oversee the construction, operation, and maintenance of the machinery
Monitor the chemical processes taking place
Develop new products and safety testing techniques
Attributes & Abilities
Enjoy solving problems
Creative and inquisitive
Analytical
Detail-oriented
Communication skills
Workplace
Most work for manufacturing companies
Work in offices, manufacturing plants, and labs
Deal with loud noise levels when in plants
Sometimes work with hazardous chemicals
Job Description
Chemical engineers take scientific principles and apply them to practical situations, like helping companies use
chemicals to produce everything from gas to toothpaste. In the most general terms, they help bring about change to
physical matter (solids, liquids, and gases) by means of chemical and physical processes.
A basic example of this kind of conversion occurs in our own houses whenever we cook. By applying heat to foods,
we are able to alter their physical and chemical structures (water boils, heated bread becomes toast). Chemical
engineers use much more expensive and complicated mechanisms than toasters, but the general idea is much the
same.
Chemical engineers skills can be applied in many situations. Some help companies refine oil and gas or process
minerals such as nickel. Others create pulp and paper products from trees. Some play a key role in the production of
consumer goods such as shampoos and perfumes. Other popular areas of the profession include food
manufacturing, hazardous waste disposal, and creating advanced composite materials. These materials are used to
make light, durable products like skateboards and tennis racquets.
Most chemical engineers work for large manufacturing and processing companies. They are responsible for
designing, constructing, operating, and maintaining industrial equipment and processes in their companies plants.
The plants themselves can be anything from huge oil refineries to small breweries.
Chemical engineers are also involved in new product development, safety testing, and environmental assessments. It
is their job to make sure that a companys technical side (such as its production processes and equipment) is running
efficiently and producing quality products. If there are any problems, the engineers figure out why and find solutions.
They must also be aware of how their products and manufacturing processes affect the environment, the safety of the
workers, and customers.
Chemical engineering is a technical job, but that does not mean it is a solitary one. An engineer may spend a large
part of his or her day meeting with businesspeople, dealing with clients, or working as part of a team of scientists,
technicians, machine operators, and other engineers. As they rise to managerial positions within their companies,
these people-oriented, organizational tasks may become their most important responsibility.
It is common for engineers to specialize in a particular chemical process, such as oxidation or polymerization. Others
specialize in a particular field, such as materials science, or the development of specific products, such as fertilizers
and pesticides.
Working Conditions
Most chemical engineers are salaried employees of large manufacturing companies, primarily in the chemical,
electronics, oil, pulp and paper, and related industries. Others work for professional, scientific, or technical services
firms.
Chemical engineers who work in the manufacturing industry generally divide their time between offices (planning and
evaluating projects), manufacturing plants (troubleshooting the production line), and laboratories (researching and
conducting tests). Those who work as managers or technical sales representatives may also spend a large part of
their day in meetings or travelling.
A regular 8 to 9-hour workday, and 40 to 50-hour workweek, is typical for chemical engineers. Evening and weekend
work is rare but may be required in emergencies. As they gain experience and seniority within a company, their
vacation time generally increases from 10 or 15 days a year to 25 or 30 days.
Chemical engineering is a relatively safe career, though engineers may occasionally have to work with hazardous
chemicals. The risk of injury is fairly low, however, as long as established safety procedures are adhered to.
Engineers who work in manufacturing plants may have to deal with elevated noise levels, and wear steel-toed boots
and safety helmets while on the factory floor.
Earnings
Earnings for chemical engineers vary depending on a number of factors, including experience and level of education.
Salaries for those with bachelors degrees are often less than the salaries of those with masters degrees. Engineers
with PhDs usually earn the most.
Most chemical engineers earn between $45,000 and $150,000 a year. The average income for people in this career is
likely somewhere between $85,000 and $100,000 a year. As engineers gain experience and take on greater
responsibilities, their yearly incomes rise. Highly trained specialists and senior-level managers can earn over
$175,000 a year.
Full-time chemical engineers also typically receive benefits in addition to their salaries. Benefits can include paid
vacation time, paid sick leave, health insurance, and pension plan contributions. Some employers provide extra
benefits, such as the use of a company car or performance-based bonuses.
Education
High school students interested in pursuing a career in chemical engineering should take courses in chemistry,
biology, math, physics, and English.
A bachelors degree in chemical engineering is the minimum educational requirement to work in this field. However,
while it is possible to find work with a bachelors degree, a masters degree or PhD is often required for academic or
advanced research and development positions.
Undergraduate programs in chemical engineering introduce students to subjects such as process control, fluid
mechanics, heat transfer, separation processes, and thermodynamics. As their education progresses, students focus
on a particular field, such as petrochemical engineering, polymer chemical engineering, or pulp/paper engineering.
Some universities offer co-op programs, combining work and study.
At the graduate level, studies are usually focused on a single area of interest, such as petroleum engineering or
environmental engineering. Those interested in management positions often take business administration courses
leading to a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree.
Once they have finished university, chemical engineers must register as Professional Engineers (P.Engs) with their
provincial or territorial association. They are eligible for licensure only after having acquired work experience under
the supervision of a licensed engineer and then passing a qualifying exam.
Related College & University Programs
Chemical Engineering
Materials Science / Engineering
Chemistry
Chemical Engineering Technology
Other Suggested Qualifications
If you are considering a career in chemical engineering, you should enjoy mathematics and sciences, and love solving
problems. Engineers should be creative, inquisitive, analytical, and detail-oriented. They should be able to
communicate well in writing and orally, and be able to work well individually and as a part of a team. Because this is
such a rapidly advancing field, engineers educations never really end, as they must stay up-to-date on all of the latest
technology. In addition to courses offered by colleges and universities, there are many ongoing education programs
offered by trade groups and equipment vendors, which engineers take to keep abreast of developments in their field.
Suggested High School Subjects
Grade 9
Grade 10
English
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies
Creative Arts
Computers
French
Health & Physical Education
English
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies
Personal & Career Development
Computers
Grade 11
Grade 12
English
Mathematics
Probability & Statistics
Biology
Chemistry
Earth & Environmental Science
Physics
Social Studies
Computers
English
Algebra & Geometry
Calculus
Biology
Chemistry
Earth & Environmental Science
Physics
Social Studies
Computers
Important
Check with your advisor to make sure that your course selections satisfy your graduation requirements.
Courses available may vary from school to school.
Sample Career Path
People take different pathways through their careers, but no one starts at the top. This is an example of how the
earnings, education and experience requirements, and responsibilities might progress for someone in this occupation.
Level 1
Sample Title
Junior Engineer
Earnings
$50,000 to $65,000 a year
Requirements
Bachelors degree in chemical engineering
Responsibilities
Working on small projects (for example, in the areas of process improvement or
product design) under the supervision of senior-level engineer; writing reports.
Level 2
Sample Title
Project/Process Engineer
Earnings
$60,000 to $85,000 a year
Requirements
2 or more years of work experience
Successful completion of the professional engineering licensing exam
Responsibilities
Working on more advanced projects (such as the development of new products or
production processes); overseeing the implementation of new products or
processes; supervising technicians, machine operators, and others.
Level 3
Sample Title
Production Manager
Earnings
$80,000 to $150,000 a year
Requirements
Many years of work experience
Possibly a post-graduate degree in chemical engineering or business
administration
Responsibilities
Overseeing multiple projects; managing engineers, technicians, machine operators,
and others.
Level 4
Sample Title
Engineering Manager
Earnings
$100,000 to $175,000 a year
Requirements
Many years of work experience
Post-graduate degree in chemical engineering or business administration
Managerial experience
Responsibilities
Overseeing all production and product development for a large company; dealing
with businesspeople, marketers, and clients; budgeting; handling administrative
duties.
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Focus Areas
Focus Areas are groups or families of occupations that share common characteristics such as knowledge
requirements, skill sets, and/or goals.
Science & Applied Science
