EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Chemical Engineer Salary in Boston
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$230,928/yr
Typical range: $204,838 – $245,825
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Chemical Engineer salary by experience level in Boston
Chemical Engineer Salary Progression in Boston
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 | $117,137 | $9,761 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $142,238 | $11,853 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $158,972 | $13,248 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $180,057 | $15,005 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $230,928 | $19,244 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $271,089 | $22,591 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $281,130 | $23,428 | +140% |
Current Salary
$230,928
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $111/hr
Next Level Target
$271,089
Principal · 14
+$40Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
35/100
Below Average
+8% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Chemical Engineer salary in Boston, MA?
Staff / Lead Chemical Engineers in Boston, MA earn approximately $231K 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 Boston, MA?
Based on $231K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $111/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Chemical Engineer in Boston, MA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Chemical Engineer in Boston, MA earns $205K–$246K/yr.