EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Chemical Engineer Salary in New York
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$241,176/yr
Typical range: $213,929 – $256,734
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Chemical Engineer salary by experience level in New York
Chemical Engineer Salary Progression in New York
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 | $122,335 | $10,195 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $148,550 | $12,379 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $166,027 | $13,836 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $188,047 | $15,671 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $241,176 | $20,098 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $283,119 | $23,593 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $293,605 | $24,467 | +140% |
Current Salary
$241,176
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $116/hr
Next Level Target
$283,119
Principal · 14
+$42Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
35/100
Below Average
+8% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Chemical Engineer salary in New York, NY?
Staff / Lead Chemical Engineers in New York, NY earn approximately $241K 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 New York, NY?
Based on $241K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $116/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Chemical Engineer in New York, NY?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Chemical Engineer in New York, NY earns $214K–$257K/yr.