EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Chemical Engineer Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$229,087/yr
Typical range: $203,206 – $243,866
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Chemical Engineer salary by experience level in Los Angeles
Chemical Engineer Salary Progression in Los Angeles
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 | $116,203 | $9,684 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $141,104 | $11,759 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $157,705 | $13,142 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $178,621 | $14,885 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $229,087 | $19,091 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $268,928 | $22,411 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $278,888 | $23,241 | +140% |
Current Salary
$229,087
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $110/hr
Next Level Target
$268,928
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 Los Angeles, CA?
Staff / Lead Chemical Engineers in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $229K 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 Los Angeles, CA?
Based on $229K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $110/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Chemical Engineer in Los Angeles, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Chemical Engineer in Los Angeles, CA earns $203K–$244K/yr.