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Alabama Department of Labor

Labor Market Information Division
SOC: 17-2041 Chemical Engineers
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.
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Education: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
OJT: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Tasks: Develop safety procedures to be employed by workers operating equipment or working in close proximity to ongoing chemical reactions. Troubleshoot problems with chemical manufacturing processes. Evaluate chemical equipment and processes to identify ways to optimize performance or to ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations. Conduct research to develop new and improved chemical manufacturing processes. Determine most effective arrangement of operations such as mixing, crushing, heat transfer, distillation, and drying. Perform tests and monitor performance of processes throughout stages of production to determine degree of control over variables such as temperature, density, specific gravity, and pressure. Design and plan layout of equipment. Prepare estimate of production costs and production progress reports for management. Design measurement and control systems for chemical plants based on data collected in laboratory experiments and in pilot plant operations. Develop processes to separate components of liquids or gases or generate electrical currents, using controlled chemical processes. Perform laboratory studies of steps in manufacture of new products and test proposed processes in small-scale operation, such as a pilot plant. Direct activities of workers who operate or are engaged in constructing and improving absorption, evaporation, or electromagnetic equipment.
License: License not required.
Outlook: Satisfactory
Alabama Employment Outlook
Alabama Wage Data
Hourly Wage   Annual Wage
Entry $38.71   Entry $80,506.00
Mean $52.38   Mean $108,949.00
Experience $59.22 Experience $123,171.00

The data is based on the May 2017 Occupation Employment Survey employment and wage estimate file. The wages have been aged using the most current ECI factors reflecting wages as of June 2018.

Alabama Projections
Estimated Employment 2016Projected Employment 2026Annual Average OpeningsAnnual Growth Rate
59065045.97
Related Occupations: Postsecondary Institutions With Programs:
Aerospace Engineers
Civil Engineers
Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
Electrical Engineers
Environmental Engineers
Mechanical Engineers
Microbiologists
Nuclear Engineers
Petroleum Engineers
Transportation Engineers
Auburn University
Tuskegee University
University of Alabama
University of Alabama in Huntsville
University of South Alabama
Occupational Videos
17-2041.00 Chemical Engineers