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Chemical Engineer Salary in Lakewood, WA

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

Median Salary
$161,033
per year in Lakewood
Entry Level
$98,153
Starting salary
Senior Level
$222,378
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
102
2% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$98,153$161,033$222,378
Monthly$8,179$13,419$18,532
Biweekly$3,775$6,194$8,553
Weekly$1,888$3,097$4,277
Hourly$47$77$107

Lakewood vs National Average

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

Lakewood Salary
$161,033
COL Index: 102
National Average
$140,960
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$20,073
Higher in Lakewood

Cost of Living in Lakewood

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,200
per month
Median Income
$48,920
per year
Population
65,540
residents
Rent % of Income
29.4%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 102 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Lakewood 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
-24%
Los Angeles, CA
$122,950
-24%
Chicago, IL
$119,490
-26%
Houston, TX
$152,290
-5%
Phoenix, AZ
$125,050
-22%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Chemical Engineer Salary in Lakewood, WA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a chemical engineer in Lakewood, WA is $161,033 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 102. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Lakewood's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level chemical engineer professionals in Lakewood can expect to earn around $98,153 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level chemical engineers earning approximately $222,378 per year. This represents a 127% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Lakewood's cost of living index of 102 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Lakewood 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 Lakewood typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,200 per month, housing represents about 8.9% 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 Lakewood, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. 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.