Chemical Engineers - Career, Education & Salary

The field of engineering offers vast scope forof the entire manufacturing process is thoroughly
candidates. One of the most fulfilling and profitablerevised by the engineers to ensure the safety of
careers in engineering is becoming chemical engineers.workers as well. Long work-related experience is
These professionals use the principles of chemistry forvalued highly in the field of chemical engineering.
the manufacturing a wide range of chemical products.Education & Training
Besides production of chemical products, chemicalFor entry level positions in the field of chemical
engineers also design equipment for chemical plants.engineering, candidates need to equip themselves with
These engineers apply principles of chemistry anda bachelor's degree in engineering. Engineering degrees
physics and engineering technology to manufacturecan be obtained in electrical, mechanical, electronics or
products like synthetic rubber, plastic, gasoline,civil engineering. Engineers trained in one branch can
detergents, paper, cement etc. While doing their job,have the flexibility of joining other related branches of
engineers are confronted with multiple problems thatengineering. This flexibility benefits employers as well
they need to solve using technology and by applyingas engineers. While employers can easily meet their
principles of chemistry. In case of large scalestaffing needs, engineers can have multiple career
manufacturing, chemical engineers also design theopportunities to choose from and can also shift fields
manufacturing equipment and test the manufacturingdepending on the prospects and interests. Besides the
method before implementing the procedure.engineering degrees mentioned above, many colleges
Not only in the field of chemical manufacturing, butalso offer specialized courses or training programs in
these engineers also work in a variety of otherengineering technology, the duration ranging between 2
manufacturing industries. This, in turn, increases theto 4 years.
career scope for these professionals. Industries likeCandidates who have been trained in 4-year
electronics, food, paper and clothing have multipletechnology programs can land jobs similar to those
scope for chemical engineers. Apart from working incandidates that carry a bachelor's degree in
these industries, these engineers can also join fields likeengineering. Around 1,830 college and university
healthcare and biotechnology. By gaining moreprograms across America have the accreditation of
experience and expertise, engineers can also choosethe Accreditation Board for Engineering and
to specialize in a specific area according to theirTechnology (ABET). In addition to this, the board has
interest and preference. They can either choose toalso provided its accreditation to 710 engineering
specialize in a specific chemical process or products.technology programs.
Chemical engineers can specialize in chemicalWork Environment & Salary
processes like oxidation, polymerization orWhile working as chemical engineers, professionals will
nanomaterials.be working in laboratories, manufacturing plants or
The job of a chemical engineer also demandsoffices. Depending on the requirement, engineers may
responsibilities. While performing their task, thealso need to spend time outdoors. Chemical engineers
engineers must be well versed with the chemicalusually work 40 hours a week. Around 33,000 jobs for
processes involved in the manufacturing of products.chemical engineers are expected by the year 2016.
They should know how these processes can have anThe median annual salary of chemical engineers is
effect on the environment. Chemical engineers need to$78.860. Starting salary of chemical engineers is the
do their work without making an harm to thehighest as compared to other graduate level jobs.
environment, consumers and the workers. Every stage