Chemical Engineer Salary in Richmond
2026 compensation data for Chemical Engineer positions in Richmond, VA. Ranges from $68,000 (entry-level) to $171,000 (senior). Median: $105,000.
Median (Mid)
$105,000
$50.48/hr
vs National
+0%
US: $105,000
COL Index
100
vs US avg = 100
Senior Max
$171,000
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) | $68,000 | $78,000 | $90,000 | $37.5/hr |
| Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | $87,000 | $105,000 | $124,000 | $50.48/hr |
| Senior (6+ yrs) | $119,000 | $143,000 | $171,000 | $68.75/hr |
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Practice negotiating this salaryWhat Your Salary Is Really Worth in Richmond
A mid-level chemical engineer earning $105,000 in Richmond has the same buying power as $105,000 in an average US city, after adjusting for the local cost of living (COL index 100).
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 Richmond
Design processes for chemicals, pharmaceuticals, fuels, and materials at industrial scale. This page covers chemical engineer compensation specifically in Richmond, VA.
The median chemical engineer salary in Richmond, VA is $105,000 for mid-level professionals, which is 0% above the national median. With a cost of living index of 100 (national average = 100), Richmond offers an affordable cost of living, making these salaries stretch further.
Entry-level chemical engineers in Richmond can expect to earn between $68,000 and $90,000 (about $37.5/hour), while senior professionals with 6+ years of experience earn up to $171,000 ($171K annually, or about $82.21/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 Richmond.
Frequently Asked Questions: Chemical Engineer Salary in Richmond
What is the average Chemical Engineer salary in Richmond?+
The average Chemical Engineer salary in Richmond is $105,000 for a mid-level professional (3–5 years of experience). Entry-level pay starts around $78,000 and senior-level pay reaches $143,000.
How much does an entry-level chemical engineer make in Richmond?+
Entry-level chemical engineers in Richmond earn between $68,000 and $90,000, with a median of $78,000 per year (about $37.5/hour).
What is the hourly rate for a Chemical Engineer in Richmond?+
Based on a 2,080-hour work year, a Chemical Engineer in Richmond earns roughly $37.5/hour at entry-level, $50.48/hour at mid-level, and $68.75/hour at senior-level.
Is the Chemical Engineer salary in Richmond higher than the US average?+
Yes — Chemical Engineer salaries in Richmond are about 0% higher than the US national median of $105,000.
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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