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 |
Got an offer? Don't leave money on the table.
Practice negotiating this salaryWhat 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
Design processes for chemicals, pharmaceuticals, fuels, and materials at industrial scale. This page covers chemical engineer compensation specifically in Los Angeles, CA.
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.
Negotiating a Chemical Engineer offer in Los Angeles?
Stop guessing. Get personalized scripts, market insights, and expert tactics for your specific situation using our free AI negotiation coach.
Chemical Engineer Salaries in Other Cities
Other Roles in Los Angeles
Know Your Worth as a Chemical Engineer in Los Angeles
You now have the data. Use our free AI negotiation coach to turn it into a strategy — get scripts, market context, and expert tactics for your specific situation.
Free · No signup · Instant answers