Chemical Engineers
Description OES Code: 22114
Design chemical plant equipment and devise processes for manufacturing chemicals and products such as gasoline, synthetic rubber, plastics, detergents, cement, paper, and pulp by applying principles and technology of chemistry, physics, and engineering.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $23.38
25th Percentile $26.25
50th Percentile $33.13
75th Percentile $41.99

Wages, San Joaquin
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $28.91
25th Percentile $29.18
50th Percentile $31.30
75th Percentile $33.42

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 4,000
Projected Employment 2008 4,800
Percent Change 1998-2008 20%
Separations 1998-2008 1,000

Employment Trends by California County

Working Conditions
Most Chemical Engineers are employed in the manufacturing and petroleum refining. They perform much of their work in various locations in the plant such as planning and evaluating projects in the office, doing research and conducting tests in the lab, or troubleshooting on the production line. Some also work in their company's administrative offices, while others with advanced degrees are employed in research and teaching positions in colleges and universities. Most Chemical Engineers do little, if any, work-related travel, although those who work as sales engineers or technical consultants may travel to a considerable extent. Many chemical engineers are members of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and its local affiliates.

Advancement
Chemical Engineers usually begin their professional careers as junior or assistant engineers and, as they gain experience, advance to positions of greater responsibility. They may advance to supervising engineer, chief engineer, or plant manager, depending upon the structure and product line of the company. Those engineers who are engaged primarily in research may be given increasingly responsible assignments with increases in salary and recognition, and may progress to such positions as supervisor, project engineer, or director of research. Many engineers who seek top executive positions in administration or management find it advantageous to do additional graduate study in chemical engineering or business administration in order to improve their advancement opportunities.

Getting the Job & Other Information
Employers who hire entry-level Chemical Engineers usually recruit applicants at colleges and universities. They conduct on-campus interviews with interested students. Chemical Engineers may also find employ-ment by submitting resumes and applying directly to companies that hire engineers in their specialty, or by replying to ads in newspapers and professional journals. Personal contacts through professional organizations or recommendations by employees of a company are also common ways of finding work. Applying to federal and other governmental agencies and taking the appropriate examinations may also lead to employment in this field. In addition, both engineers and employers can use private employment agencies and the California Employment Development Department Job Service.

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Education and Training
A bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering is the most common entry-level requirement. A master's degree or higher is required for some research, teaching, consulting, and managerial positions. College graduates whose degrees are in mathematics or chemistry may also qualify for some positions. Employers look for applicants who can communicate ideas, are analytical and innovative, and are adept at solving problems. Passing a State board exam given by the Department of Consumer Affairs is required to do consulting work. In order to keep up with rapid changes and advances in the field, many Chemical Engineers continue their education throughout their careers by attending continuing education courses. High school students who are considering the field of chemical engineering should take as many mathematics and science courses as possible, including trigonometry, calculus, chemistry, physics, and computer science.

Skills & Other Requirements
Although primarily concerned with technological and economic problems, Chemical Engineers work with people much of the time. They must be able to communicate their ideas to managers, technicians, craft workers, production workers, and customers, as written reports and oral presentations are often an important part of the job. They must be able to work as part of a team, and be analytical and innovative. They must also be adept at solving problems, have initiative, and be able to make sound, timely decisions.

References
California Occupational Guide #8

Related Occupations: Mechanical Engineers, #5, Electrical/Electronics Engineers, #12, Chemists, #22

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)