How To Become An Chemical Engineer
Being a chemical engineer can be an exciting, fulfilling career. It’s also one of the most in-demand jobs in the world!
But how do you get started? Here are some tips to help you get your foot in the door.
- Take high school courses that will help prepare you for college-level chemistry and physics courses. These include biology, calculus and algebra II, English composition, physics, and chemistry.
- Take as many advanced placement (AP) classes as possible in these areas during high school. If possible, take AP classes that you can use for dual enrollment credit at local community colleges or universities; this will save money on tuition costs later on down the road!
- Work with your guidance counselor to get into a good college program; it’s worth it! Make sure they know what kinds of programs interest you so they can help guide you toward schools with good chemical engineering programs—and away from those without any such programs at all!
- Choose a major early on in college—chemical engineering is not easy and requires a lot of hard work from both students and instructors alike; if you wait too long before committing yourself.
How To Become An Chemical Engineer
Chemical engineering entails using math, physics, chemistry, and biology to design and improve materials, equipment, and products. By converting raw materials into useful products, these professionals can minimize costs and maximize productivity while maintaining or increasing the quality of goods and materials.
Chemical engineers work in nearly every sector, including pharmaceutical, consumer products, biotechnology, manufacturing, materials, medicine, aerospace, automotive, and fuel.
Chemical engineering entails using math, physics, chemistry, and biology to design and improve materials, equipment, and products.
As a chemical engineer, you may improve food production techniques, increase access to clean drinking water, develop new fibers for clothing, recover and refine fuels, come up with solutions to environmental issues, or improve the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
Typical duties performed in chemical engineer jobs include research and testing, designing and evaluating equipment and processes, and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
Chemical Engineer Job Demand and Salary
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 4% job growth for chemical engineers between 2019 and 2029, about as fast as the average employment growth rate for all occupations. Industries like alternative energy and biotechnology should experience sustained demand, while traditional manufacturing positions may see some decline.
Because of the rapid advances in technology, engineers must stay informed of emerging trends in their field and industry. Some of the top industries employing chemical engineers include chemical manufacturing, architecture and engineering, scientific research, petroleum and coal product manufacturing, and the federal government.
Industries like alternative energy and biotechnology should experience sustained demand for chemical engineers, while traditional manufacturing positions may see some decline.
The states employing the most chemical engineers include Texas, California, New Jersey, Louisiana, and Ohio. Texas also offers the highest earnings for these professionals, with an average annual chemical engineer salary of $138,600 in 2020, according to the BLS.
While annual salaries vary depending on position, location, and employer, the BLS reports that chemical engineers earned a median annual salary of $108,540 in 2020. Engineers who work for petroleum and coal product manufacturers boast even greater earnings, with a median annual salary of $123,360.
Step by Step: How to Become a Chemical Engineer
To become a chemical engineer, you should gear up in high school by taking courses in science and math, particularly calculus. From there, you will need a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, preferably from a college that offers concentrations in your field of interest. If you’re interested in management opportunities, a master’s may be required.
Step 1: Study Chemistry, Physics, and Math in High School
Chemical engineering applicants face stiff competition. As a high school student, you should start preparing early in your studies by taking classes in chemistry, biology, physics, and math.
Taking college preparatory or AP courses in these areas may also increase your chances of admission, and specific coursework in trigonometry, algebra, and calculus can prepare you to meet college admission requirements.
You can also benefit from extracurricular activities in science, technology, engineering, and math. Many universities and research centers offer engineering summer camps and the opportunity to perform research.
Step 2: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering
To become a chemical engineer, you need a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering. You should also consider attending a program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). This accreditation lets employers and educators know that you have received a rigorous education and meet the quality standards of the profession. This accreditation also qualifies you to pursue licensure in some states.
Most chemical engineering bachelor’s programs require 120-130 credits and take about four years of full-time study to complete. You’ll learn about analysis and invention of chemical products and processes through classroom, laboratory, and field studies. You’ll also explore how to design equipment and processes for manufacturing.
Some programs offer internships or cooperative education experiences that will allow you to gain the experience many employers require.
Schools offer several concentrations that allow you to focus on your area of interest, including the following:
- Nuclear Engineering: This specialization teaches you about the many facets of nuclear power, including the design, development, and maintenance of these power plants.
- Nanomaterials Engineering: This concentration introduces you to the world of very small chemical substances and ultra-fine particles ranging from 1-100 nanometers. This rapidly advancing field of engineering is producing big changes in robotics, energy, biomedicine, and manufacturing.
- Biochemical Engineering: Biochemical engineers apply technology to biological substances, such as cells, to create improved or new products. The end result may include producing cleaner fuels or better water treatment processes.
- Business and Management: Many chemical engineers have gone on to succeed in business, management, and consulting roles.
- Energy and Environment: If you’re interested in studying and producing solutions to help build a sustainable planet, this concentration may be for you. Students explore technology solutions to climate change, clean water and air, and sustainable energy.
- Petroleum and Gas Exploration: As a chemical engineer specializing in oil and gas, you may work on offshore rigs and ships or in the field. These engineers help boost production, transform crude oil into a usable form, and develop new extraction techniques.
