10 Highest Paying Countries for Chemical Engineers: Top Companies & Avg Salary

The highest-paying countries for chemical engineers are the USA, Switzerland, Japan, Denmark, Germany, Finland, Canada, Australia, the Netherlands, and Belgium.

These countries offer robust career opportunities with competitive salaries. In addition, they provide diverse job profiles in various fields, such as pharmaceuticals, energy, environmental protection and biotechnology. Therefore, aspiring chemical engineers who settle abroad can explore their capabilities and establish long-term careers. 

Chemical engineering jobs in foreign countries for freshers and experienced individuals are equally appealing. Here is a blog delving into the top companies, top cities, cost of living and average chemical engineers’ salaries in these countries that can help every aspiring individual make wise and well-informed decisions. 

Do you know?

• According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of chemical engineers in the United States is projected to grow 8% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations[1]. 
• In Switzerland, the chemical and pharmaceutical industry employs over 75,000 people and invests more in Research and Development compared to other industries. It is well-established in delivering chemical and pharmaceutical products, accounting for approximately 50% of the total exports[2]. 

Overview: 10 Highest Paying Countries for Chemical Engineers

Notes: 

• The cost of living includes average transportation costs and basic amenities like food and grocery bills, excluding rent.

Source

Salaries:

• https://www.payscale.com/

• https://worldsalaries.com/

• https://www.jobs.ch/en/salary/?canton=ch&term=chemical%20engineer

• https://www.salaryexpert.com/

• https://www.indeed.com/career/salaries

Cost of Living: https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/

The cost of living currency conversion done on 12th June 2024 at 13:00 hrs IST.

Currency conversion tool:

https://www.forbes.com/advisor/in/money-transfer/currency-conversion-calculator/ 

10 Highest Paying Countries for Chemical Engineers

1.  The United States of America – Avg salary (USD 95,606)

The United States is one of the highest-paying countries for chemical engineers. The job openings for chemical engineers are expected to be 1,300 yearly, on average, over 2022-2032. Chemical engineers in the USA can work in diverse sectors, including pharmaceuticals, energy, materials, biotechnology, environmental protection, and food and beverages.

Innovations in sustainable processes and renewable energy keep the demand for chemical engineers strong and growing. 

The average chemical engineer’s salary based on experience is as follows:

• Entry-level – Chemical engineers can earn USD 79,893 per year.
• Experienced Professional – An experienced chemical engineer in the United States can earn USD 1,25,000 per year.

Also read: How to get a job in the USA.

2.  Switzerland – Avg salary (CHF 85,000)

Switzerland has become one of the best countries for chemical engineers worldwide. The demand for chemical engineers has always been consistently high because the chemicals and pharmaceuticals industry is Switzerland’s leading exporter. 

It generates roughly 50% of the total annual exports and 7% of the GDP. There are over 1,000 companies, including two multinationals.

The average chemical engineer’s salary based on experience is as follows:

• Entry-level – Chemical engineers with less than 1 year of experience can earn CHF 80,000 yearly.
• Experienced Professional – An experienced chemical engineer in Switzerland can earn CHF 1,26,750 yearly. 

3.  Japan – Avg salary (JPY 10,312,676)

Japan is one of the highly-ranked countries for research and development and is known for its quest for innovation, technology and engineering. Desiring to work in Japan can help aspiring chemical engineers expand their knowledge, enhancing their earning potential. 

Japanese companies generally consider candidates with more practical knowledge and experience when hiring. In addition, it is crucial to understand the language to pursue a career in Japan. Some companies, very specifically, require a higher level of language proficiency.

The average chemical engineer’s salary based on experience is as follows:

• Entry-level – Chemical engineers with 1 to 3 years of experience can earn JPY 7,207,305 per year at the entry level.
• Experienced Professional – Professionals with 8+ years of experience can earn JPY 12,790,871 yearly.

4.  Denmark – Avg salary (DKK 4,21,400)

Denmark is becoming a popular destination for chemical engineering jobs abroad. Research-based education is highly recommended for some of the best-paid jobs.

Well-qualified and experienced chemical engineers can work with the development of new materials, reservoir engineering, development of computer models for refinery processes, optimisation of production of enzymes, quality control, and more. However, Denmark has a well-regulated procedure for immigrants to seek job opportunities. Therefore, it is important to understand the requirements to qualify for the essential standards. 

The average chemical engineer’s salary based on experience is as follows:

• Entry-level – Chemical engineers in Denmark with 0 to 2 years of experience can earn DKK 2,43,000 yearly.
• Experienced professionals – Chemical engineers with 10+ years of experience can earn DKK 5,37,300 yearly in Denmark. 

5.  Germany – Avg salary (EUR 49,830)

Germany is a highly sought-after destination for pursuing an education programme in chemical engineering. It is extremely affordable and offers diverse specialisations. Furthermore, the chemical industry in Germany offers attractive salaries and outstanding career prospects, making it a good choice for recent graduates. 

Home to some of the leading companies, Germany offers ample opportunities to explore, research, and expand with industry connections. Chemical engineers are at the forefront of sustainable and green technologies and they can work on environmentally impactful projects.  

The average chemical engineer’s salary based on experience is as follows:

• Entry-level – A chemical engineer with less than 1 year of experience in Germany can earn EUR 47,114 per year.
• Experienced Professional – Professionals with 10+ years of experience can earn EUR 60,000 yearly.

Also read: How to get a job in Germany.

6.  Finland – Avg salary (EUR 48,140)

Chemical engineers in Finland can expand their knowledge and earning potential. Companies offer unique solutions, focusing on circular economy innovation, waste-to-energy, and sustainable energy initiatives.

The average chemical engineer’s salary based on experience is as follows:

• Entry-level – Chemical engineers in Finland with less than two years of experience can earn EUR 26,660 yearly.
• Experienced Professionals – Chemical engineers with 10+ years of experience can earn EUR 61,400 yearly. 

7.  Canada – Avg salary (CAD 69,821)

Canada’s dynamic engineering sector creates a startling demand for chemical engineers. They are hired in diverse industry segments, such as the petrochemical industry, pharmaceutical industry, environmental management, mining and metallurgy and oil and gas sector. 

In Canada, the labour demand and labour supply on job opportunities for chemical engineers are expected to be in line for 2022-2031. During this period, new job opportunities from expansion and replacement demand are expected to be around 2000, whereas 2200 new job seekers will be available. 

The average chemical engineer’s salary based on experience is as follows:

• Entry-level – Chemical engineers with less than 1 year of experience can earn CAD 60,195 yearly.

• Experienced Professionals – Chemical engineers with 10+ years of experience can earn CAD 84,067 yearly in Canada. 

Also Read: 5 Steps to Get a Job in Canada.

8. Australia – Avg salary (AUD 74,343)

Australia offers diverse career opportunities for chemical engineers. They design and prepare specifications for chemical process systems and construct and operate commercial-scale chemical plants. Senior chemical engineers seeking jobs abroad can also seek opportunities to supervise industrial processing and the fabrication of products. 

There are 3,100 chemical engineers currently employed in Australia, of which 23% are females. 

The average chemical engineer’s salary based on experience is as follows:

• Entry-level – Chemical engineers in Australia with less than 1 year of experience can earn AUD 65,185 yearly.
• Experienced Professionals – Chemical engineers with 10+ years of experience can earn AUD 1,11,499 yearly.

Also read: How to get a job in Australia.

9.  Netherlands – Avg salary (EUR 43,487)

The Netherlands is recognised as one of the global leaders in the chemical, life sciences and food industries. The top-notch companies in this industry offer opportunities for aspiring chemical engineers. They can push the boundaries to experience cutting-edge research and development opportunities.

Further, integrating into Dutch society is very simple as most people speak English, and the country is popular for its inclusive and welcoming atmosphere. 

The average chemical engineer’s salary based on experience is as follows:

• Entry-level – At entry level, a chemical engineer in the Netherlands with less than 1 year of experience can earn EUR 36,644 yearly. 
• Experienced Professional – An experienced chemical engineer with 10+ years of experience can earn EUR 64,329 yearly.

10.  Belgium – Avg salary (EUR 40,072)

Belgium is home to leading chemical engineering companies, such as BASF. It offers job opportunities for researchers and engineers, who can expand their roles within different departments and production units. 

Aspiring chemical engineers who want to work in a stable and growing international work culture can choose Belgium to make a difference. An integrated approach to learning and exploring will ascertain long-term career growth with a higher earning potential. 

The average chemical engineer’s salary based on experience is as follows:

• Entry-level – Chemical engineers with less than 1 year of experience can earn EUR 38,649 yearly.
• Experienced professionals – Chemical engineers with 5 to 9 years of experience can earn EUR 45,000 yearly. 

Country-wise Salary of Chemical Engineers around the World

Note: The above table depicts the average salaries for chemical engineers in the top 10 countries. All the currencies have been converted to USD (for creating graphs). 

Sources: 

• https://www.payscale.com/

• https://worldsalaries.com/

• https://www.jobs.ch/en/salary/?canton=ch&term=chemical%20engineer

• https://www.salaryexpert.com/

• https://www.indeed.com/career/salaries

Conversion as of 11th June 2024 at 12:45 HRS IST.

Currency conversion source: 

https://www.forbes.com/advisor/in/money-transfer/currency-conversion-calculator/

Other emerging countries for Chemical Engineers

We’ve covered the top-paying countries for chemical engineers. Here are some emerging countries with high demand and competitive salaries for chemical engineering jobs overseas.

• Iceland
• Norway
• Ireland
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• Luxembourg
• Singapore

Different types of Chemical Engineering jobs

Note: The above table illustrates the national average salary for the United States of America.

Source: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/types-of-chemical-engineers

Finding jobs for Chemical Engineers abroad: Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s

• Research about the requirements for chemical engineers specific to a county. Every country will have regulations for qualifications, licences, and work experiences apart from work visas or permits. 
• Pursue as many Industrial Shop Floor internships as possible for hands-on experience and access to top-paying job opportunities.
• Analyse the demand for international job opportunities for chemical engineers and the career prospects for long-term growth before making a well-informed decision.
• Network with experienced professionals on formal online platforms such as social media groups and forums to learn about the work environment and earning potential. 

Don’ts

• Don’t neglect the cost of living specific to the country’s expenses related to food, transportation, rent and other utility expenses. It will help in productive financial planning for long-term sustenance.
• Avoid rushing up at the last minute and neglecting the legal and ethical standards required to establish a livelihood and a career in a country. It can lead to legal implications and financial discrepancies in the future.

Before you go

The global landscape for chemical engineers is dynamic, offering promising career opportunities with competitive salaries. We’ve highlighted some top companies providing the highest-paying jobs in this field. These countries offer substantial financial compensation and present innovative career paths across various sectors.

Once you’ve secured a job abroad, a reliable platform like Instarem will be essential for transferring your hard-earned funds to family members back home. 

Instarem uses advanced technologies to provide an affordable, quick, and transparent way to transfer funds while adhering to safety protocols to protect users’ personal information and funds. This makes it a trusted choice for international money transfers.

So, download the Instarem App for App Store and Google Play now for seamless money transfer at your fingertips.

FAQs

Q. Which country pays the highest salary for chemical engineers?

The United States of America (average salary: USD 95,606) offers the highest salary for chemical engineers. Countries such as Switzerland (avg salary: CHF 85,000), Denmark (avg salary: DKK 4,21,400), Japan (avg salary: JPY 10,312,676) and Germany (avg salary: EUR 49,830) also offer a good salary range, offering attractive salaries for aspiring chemical engineers.

Q. Which country has the highest demand for chemical engineers?

The demand for chemical engineers is high in the United States, Switzerland, and Canada. Denmark, Japan, Germany, Finland, and Australia also need chemical engineers, but to a lesser extent.

Q. Which field is best for a chemical engineer?

The best field for a chemical engineer will depend on individual preferences, choice of field of study, and educational qualifications. Bioprocess Engineers (average salary: USD 1,14,510), Materials Engineers (average salary: USD 98,340) and Energy Engineers (average salary: USD 93,028) are some of the most highly-paid engineers in the US.

Q. Which is the best country for chemical engineering jobs for Indians?

Indians can pursue a career in chemical engineering in some of the highest-paying countries such as the USA, Switzerland, Denmark, Japan, and Germany. However, factors like cost of living, cultural differences, and language proficiency must be considered to lead a successful career abroad.

Q. What is the chemical engineering salary abroad per month?

Chemical engineering salaries abroad vary by country depending on demand and career opportunities. For example, in the USA, chemical engineers can earn USD 7,967.16 per month, while in Switzerland, they can earn CHF 7,083.33 per month.

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Disclaimers:

This article is intended for informational purposes only. All details are accurate at the time of publishing. Instarem has no affiliation or relationship with the products or vendors mentioned.

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Note: Salary and cost of living are taken from different websites between 10th June 2024 and 11th June 2024 and are subject to change.

Citations:

• [1]https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/chemical-engineers.htm
• [2]https://www.eda.admin.ch/aboutswitzerland/en/home/wirtschaft/taetigkeitsgebiete/chemie-und-pharma.html