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Chemical Engineer Salary in Rochester, NY

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

Median Salary
$132,480
per year in Rochester
Entry Level
$80,749
Starting salary
Senior Level
$182,949
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
103
3% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$80,749$132,480$182,949
Monthly$6,729$11,040$15,246
Biweekly$3,106$5,095$7,037
Weekly$1,553$2,548$3,518
Hourly$39$64$88

Rochester vs National Average

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

Rochester Salary
$132,480
COL Index: 103
National Average
$140,960
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$8,480
Lower in Rochester

Cost of Living in Rochester

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,350
per month
Median Income
$52,234
per year
Population
205,362
residents
Rent % of Income
31.0%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 103 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Rochester 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
-7%
Los Angeles, CA
$122,950
-7%
Chicago, IL
$119,490
-10%
Houston, TX
$152,290
+15%
Phoenix, AZ
$125,050
-6%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Chemical Engineer Salary in Rochester, NY — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a chemical engineer in Rochester, NY is $132,480 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 103. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Rochester's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level chemical engineer professionals in Rochester can expect to earn around $80,749 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level chemical engineers earning approximately $182,949 per year. This represents a 127% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Rochester's cost of living index of 103 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Rochester 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 Rochester typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,350 per month, housing represents about 12.2% 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 Rochester, 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.