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Chemical Engineer Salary in Cary, NC

How much does a chemical engineer make in Cary? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Cary's cost of living.

Median Salary
$106,180
per year in Cary
Entry Level
$64,719
Starting salary
Senior Level
$146,629
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
108
8% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how chemical engineer salaries break down across different pay periods in Cary.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$64,719$106,180$146,629
Monthly$5,393$8,848$12,219
Biweekly$2,489$4,084$5,640
Weekly$1,245$2,042$2,820
Hourly$31$51$70

Cary vs National Average

How Cary's chemical engineer salaries compare to national figures.

Cary Salary
$106,180
COL Index: 108
National Average
$140,960
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$34,780
Lower in Cary

Cost of Living in Cary

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,450
per month
Median Income
$102,340
per year
Population
174,721
residents
Rent % of Income
17.0%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 108 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Cary have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Chemical Engineer

Overview

Design chemical production processes and equipment.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering; PE license recommended

Key Skills

Chemical ProcessesProcess DesignSafety ComplianceTroubleshooting

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +18% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Chemical Engineer Salary

See Chemical Engineer salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$122,660
+16%
Los Angeles, CA
$122,950
+16%
Chicago, IL
$119,490
+13%
Houston, TX
$152,290
+43%
Phoenix, AZ
$125,050
+18%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Chemical Engineer Salary in Cary, NC — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a chemical engineer in Cary, NC is $106,180 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 108. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Cary's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level chemical engineer professionals in Cary can expect to earn around $64,719 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level chemical engineers earning approximately $146,629 per year. This represents a 127% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Cary's cost of living index of 108 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Cary are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $140,960, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a chemical engineer's salary in Cary typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,450 per month, housing represents about 16.4% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Chemical Engineers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 18% over the next decade. In Cary, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.