Chemical Engineer Salary in Los Angeles
2026 compensation data for Chemical Engineer positions in Los Angeles, CA. Ranges from $83,000 (entry-level) to $207,000 (senior). Median: $126,000.
Median (Mid)
$126,000
$60.58/hr
vs National
+0%
US: $126,000
COL Index
150
vs US avg = 100
Senior Max
$207,000
Top of band
Salary Ranges by Experience Level
Detailed Compensation Breakdown
| Level | Annual Min | Annual Median | Annual Max | Hourly (Median) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | $83,000 | $94,000 | $109,000 | $45.19/hr |
| Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | $106,000 | $126,000 | $150,000 | $60.58/hr |
| Senior (6+ yrs) | $144,000 | $173,000 | $207,000 | $83.17/hr |
What Your Salary Is Really Worth in Los Angeles
A mid-level chemical engineer earning $126,000 in Los Angeles has the same buying power as $84,000 in an average US city, after adjusting for the local cost of living (COL index 150).
Cost of living comparisons use a base of 100 (US national average). Higher index = higher housing, transport, and consumer prices.
About Chemical Engineer Salaries in Los Angeles
The median chemical engineer salary in Los Angeles, CA is $126,000 for mid-level professionals, which is 0% above the national median. With a cost of living index of 150 (national average = 100), Los Angeles offers a high cost of living that partially offsets the salary premium.
Entry-level chemical engineers in Los Angeles can expect to earn between $83,000 and $109,000 (about $45.19/hour), while senior professionals with 6+ years of experience earn up to $207,000 ($207K annually, or about $99.52/hour).
These figures represent base salary only and do not include bonuses, equity, or benefits, which can add 20–50% to total compensation — especially at technology companies and in competitive markets like Los Angeles.
Frequently Asked Questions: Chemical Engineer Salary in Los Angeles
What is the average Chemical Engineer salary in Los Angeles?+
The average Chemical Engineer salary in Los Angeles is $126,000 for a mid-level professional (3–5 years of experience). Entry-level pay starts around $94,000 and senior-level pay reaches $173,000.
How much does an entry-level chemical engineer make in Los Angeles?+
Entry-level chemical engineers in Los Angeles earn between $83,000 and $109,000, with a median of $94,000 per year (about $45.19/hour).
What is the hourly rate for a Chemical Engineer in Los Angeles?+
Based on a 2,080-hour work year, a Chemical Engineer in Los Angeles earns roughly $45.19/hour at entry-level, $60.58/hour at mid-level, and $83.17/hour at senior-level.
Is the Chemical Engineer salary in Los Angeles higher than the US average?+
Yes — Chemical Engineer salaries in Los Angeles are about 0% higher than the US national median of $126,000.
Does this include bonuses or equity?+
No — these figures are base salary only. Total compensation (base + bonus + equity + benefits) is typically 20–50% higher, and can be 2–3x at top technology and finance employers.
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