Chemical Engineer salary in Rochester, NY
Chemical Engineers in the Rochester, NY metro area earn a median of $133,740 a year ($64.30 an hour), based on BLS data for this job.
Pay ranges from $90,590 for the lowest-paid 10% to $133,740 for the top 10%. That is 7% higher than the national median of $125,040. Pay here is 4% higher than the New York statewide median of $129,060. The average (mean) salary is $126,720, close to the median.
Pay range for chemical engineers in Rochester, NY
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $90,590 | $43.55 |
| 25th percentile | $127,090 | $61.10 |
| Median | $133,740 | $64.30 |
| 75th percentile | $133,740 | $64.30 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $133,740 | $64.30 |
| Average (mean) | $126,720 | $60.92 |
Half of chemical engineers earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $11,145 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $5,572.50 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $5,143.85 |
| Weekly | $2,571.92 |
| Hourly | $64.30 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Chemical Engineer salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $129,060 | 40 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $126,830 | 510 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY | $112,770 | 70 |
Highest-paying states for chemical engineers
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| New Mexico | $158,190 |
| Virginia | $136,380 |
| Alabama | $135,030 |
| Louisiana | $134,800 |
| Delaware | $133,670 |
| Texas | $132,750 |
| West Virginia | $129,210 |
| New York | $129,060 |
| Washington | $128,290 |
| Oklahoma | $127,790 |
See Chemical Engineer pay in every state or the New York statewide figures.
Related jobs in Rochester, NY
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial Engineer | $100,150 | $48.15 |
| Mechanical Engineer | $100,160 | $48.15 |
| Electrical Engineer | $108,160 | $52.00 |
| Civil Engineer | $99,460 | $47.82 |
| Engineers, All Other | $100,080 | $48.11 |
| Electronics Engineers, Except Computer | $100,570 | $48.35 |
| Environmental Engineer | $98,240 | $47.23 |
| Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers | $104,010 | $50.00 |
| Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors | $100,380 | $48.26 |
| Computer Hardware Engineer | $120,550 | $57.96 |
| Aerospace Engineer | $127,910 | $61.49 |
| Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $59,420 | $28.57 |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $77,280 | $37.16 |
| Architectural and Civil Drafters | $64,770 | $31.14 |
More: Architecture and Engineering Occupations · all salaries in Rochester, NY
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 17-2041. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a chemical engineer make in Rochester, NY?
The median salary for chemical engineers in the Rochester, NY metro area is $133,740 a year, or $64.30 an hour. Pay ranges from $90,590 for the lowest-paid 10% to $133,740 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid chemical engineers make in Rochester, NY?
The top 10% of chemical engineers in the Rochester, NY metro area earn at least $133,740 a year. The top 25% earn $133,740 or more.
What is the starting pay for chemical engineers in Rochester, NY?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $90,590 a year, and a quarter of chemical engineers earn $127,090 or less.