EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Chemical Engineer Salary in Austin
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$182,498/yr
Typical range: $161,880 – $194,271
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Chemical Engineer salary by experience level in Austin
Chemical Engineer Salary Progression in Austin
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $92,572 | $7,714 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $112,408 | $9,367 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $125,633 | $10,469 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $142,296 | $11,858 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $182,498 | $15,208 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $214,237 | $17,853 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $222,172 | $18,514 | +140% |
Current Salary
$182,498
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $88/hr
Next Level Target
$214,237
Principal · 14
+$32Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
35/100
Below Average
+8% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Chemical Engineer salary in Austin, TX?
Staff / Lead Chemical Engineers in Austin, TX earn approximately $182K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Chemical Engineer make per hour in Austin, TX?
Based on $182K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $88/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Chemical Engineer in Austin, TX?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Chemical Engineer in Austin, TX earns $162K–$194K/yr.