EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Chemical Engineer Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$137,915/yr
Typical range: $134,117 – $160,953
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Chemical Engineer salary by experience level in San Francisco
Chemical Engineer Salary Progression in San Francisco
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $137,915 | $11,493 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $167,468 | $13,956 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $187,170 | $15,598 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $211,995 | $17,666 | +54% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $271,889 | $22,657 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $319,174 | $26,598 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $330,995 | $27,583 | +140% |
Current Salary
$137,915
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $66/hr
Next Level Target
$167,468
Junior · 2
+$30Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
35/100
Below Average
+8% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Chemical Engineer salary in San Francisco, CA?
Entry Level Chemical Engineers in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $138K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Chemical Engineer make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $138K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $66/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Chemical Engineer in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Chemical Engineer in San Francisco, CA earns $241K–$289K/yr.