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Chemical Engineer Salary in Richmond, VA

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

Median Salary
$165,938
per year in Richmond
Entry Level
$101,143
Starting salary
Senior Level
$229,153
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
109
9% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$101,143$165,938$229,153
Monthly$8,429$13,828$19,096
Biweekly$3,890$6,382$8,814
Weekly$1,945$3,191$4,407
Hourly$49$80$110

Richmond vs National Average

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

Richmond Salary
$165,938
COL Index: 109
National Average
$140,960
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$24,978
Higher in Richmond

Cost of Living in Richmond

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,550
per month
Median Income
$57,234
per year
Population
226,610
residents
Rent % of Income
32.5%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 109 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Richmond 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
-26%
Los Angeles, CA
$122,950
-26%
Chicago, IL
$119,490
-28%
Houston, TX
$152,290
-8%
Phoenix, AZ
$125,050
-25%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Chemical Engineer Salary in Richmond, VA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a chemical engineer in Richmond, VA is $165,938 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 109. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Richmond's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level chemical engineer professionals in Richmond can expect to earn around $101,143 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level chemical engineers earning approximately $229,153 per year. This represents a 127% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Richmond's cost of living index of 109 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Richmond 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 Richmond typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,550 per month, housing represents about 11.2% 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 Richmond, 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.