BLS Official Data · OEWS May 2025

Chemical Engineers in North Carolina

$123,550 / year · average (mean) annual wage
$59.4 per hour

▼ 4.9% below U.S. average18th of 41 states

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Dataset: OEWS May 2025 Published: May 2026 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
Average$123,550per year
Median$117,410per year
Hourly$59.4per hour
10th – 90th percentile$81,020 – $168,610per year

Chemical Engineers Pay Range in North Carolina

Pay distribution across experience levels

  • 10th Percentile — Entry Level$81,020
  • 25th Percentile — Junior$95,920
  • 50th Percentile — Median$117,410
  • 75th Percentile — Senior$141,260
  • 90th Percentile — Top Earners$168,610

Half of Chemical Engineers in North Carolina earn more than $117,410. The top 10% make $168,610 or more, while entry-level workers start around $81,020.

Chemical Engineers in North Carolina: Key Facts

Source: BLS OEWS May 2025

  • North Carolina ranks 18th of 41 states for Chemical Engineers pay, at $123,550 per year (4.9% below the U.S. average of $129,980).
  • 380 people work as Chemical Engineers in North Carolina — 1.8% of all U.S. Chemical Engineers jobs.
  • Location quotient 0.56: Chemical Engineers jobs are less concentrated in North Carolina than in the U.S. overall.
  • Pay range: the lowest-paid 10% earn under $81,020; the top 10% earn over $168,610.
  • Hourly equivalent: $59.4 per hour (2,080 hours/year).
  • The highest-paying state is New Mexico at $147,420.
  • Among engineering jobs in North Carolina, Computer Hardware Engineers pays the most ($144,050).

Chemical Engineers Job Market in North Carolina

Key factors affecting compensation

North Carolina's key industries are Technology, Finance, Agriculture, and its job market is rated strong. Chemical Engineers here earn $123,550 on average, placing the state 18th nationally.

With a cost-of-living index of 0.91 (U.S. = 1.00), a North Carolina salary of $123,550 is roughly equivalent to $135,769 at the national average cost of living.

Compared with nearby states in the pay ranking, Montana ($126,310), Colorado ($126,060), Alabama ($124,470) are the closest alternatives for Chemical Engineers weighing a move.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025

Related career salary benchmarks

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this salary

What is the average Chemical Engineers salary in North Carolina?

The average Chemical Engineers salary in North Carolina is $123,550 per year (median $117,410), which is 4.9% below the national average of $129,980.

How does North Carolina rank for Chemical Engineers pay?

North Carolina ranks 18th out of 41 states. The highest-paying state is New Mexico ($147,420/yr).

How much do entry-level Chemical Engineers make in North Carolina?

The lowest-paid 10% of Chemical Engineers in North Carolina earn about $81,020 per year and the 25th percentile is $95,920.

How much do Chemical Engineers make per hour in North Carolina?

About $59.4 per hour, based on the $123,550 annual average and 2,080 working hours per year.

How many Chemical Engineers work in North Carolina?

BLS counts 380 Chemical Engineers jobs in North Carolina (OEWS May 2025).

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