EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Chemical Engineer Salary in Seattle
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$239,340/yr
Typical range: $212,301 – $254,781
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Chemical Engineer salary by experience level in Seattle
Chemical Engineer Salary Progression in Seattle
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 | $121,404 | $10,117 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $147,420 | $12,285 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $164,763 | $13,730 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $186,616 | $15,551 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $239,340 | $19,945 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $280,965 | $23,414 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $291,371 | $24,281 | +140% |
Current Salary
$239,340
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $115/hr
Next Level Target
$280,965
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 Seattle, WA?
Staff / Lead Chemical Engineers in Seattle, WA earn approximately $239K 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 Seattle, WA?
Based on $239K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $115/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Chemical Engineer in Seattle, WA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Chemical Engineer in Seattle, WA earns $212K–$255K/yr.