Description
Design chemical plant equipment and devise processes for manufacturing chemicals and products, such as gasoline, synthetic rubber, plastics, detergents, cement, paper, and pulp, by applying principles and technology of chemistry, physics, and engineering.
Interests
- Realistic
- Investigative
- Conventional
Work Values
- Recognition
- Achievement
- Independence
Work Styles
- Analytical Thinking
- Integrity
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Achievement/Effort
Tasks
- Monitor and analyze data from processes and experiments.
- Develop safety procedures to be employed by workers operating equipment or working in close proximity to ongoing chemical reactions.
- Develop processes to separate components of liquids or gases or generate electrical currents, using controlled chemical processes.
- Troubleshoot problems with chemical manufacturing processes.
- Evaluate chemical equipment and processes to identify ways to optimize performance or to ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
Work Activities
- Processing Information
- Analyzing Data or Information
- Getting Information
- Working with Computers
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Detailed Work Activities
- Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
- Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
- Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Technology Skills
- Analytical or scientific software
- Presentation software
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Development environment software
Abilities
- Written Comprehension
- Category Flexibility
- Deductive Reasoning
- Information Ordering
- Mathematical Reasoning
Skills
- Science
- Complex Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Mathematics
Knowledge
- Engineering and Technology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Design
Most Common Education Level
The “Most Common Education Level” refers to the level of education held by the majority of workers in a given occupation. For example, if the highest percentage of workers in a role have an Associate’s Degree, that suggests this is the typical educational requirement. Knowing this helps you plan how many years of education you may need to pursue that career.
Certificates
Certificate name
Certified Chemical EngineerCertifying Organization
National Certification Commission in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Type
Core
Certificate name
Certified Reliability EngineerCertifying Organization
American Society for Quality
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Source Inspector Electrical EquipmentCertifying Organization
American Petroleum Institute
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Electromagnetic Compatibility EngineerCertifying Organization
International Association for Radio, Telecommunications and Electromagnetics
Type
Advanced
Income Percentile
The income percentiles show how earnings are distributed within a profession. The 10th percentile means that 10% of workers earned less than that amount. The median (50th percentile) indicates that half of workers earned more, and half earned less. The 90th percentile reflects what the top 10% of earners in the field make.
| Income Percentile | Annual Income |
|---|---|
| Low (10%) | $87,286 |
| Median (50%) | $112,002 |
| High (90%) | $143,321 |
Income by Experience
This table shows how income typically grows with experience—from entry level (0–2 years), to mid-level (3–5 years), to senior level (6–8 years), to expert level (8+ years).
| Experience | Income |
|---|---|
Entry Level  | $95,753 |
| Mid Level | $111,606 |
| Senior Level | $120,863 |
| Expert Level | $151,072 |
Employability
There are currently 21,400 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to increase to 23,500 positions, reflecting a projected growth of 10%.
The Projected Job Growth figure refers to the expected increase or decrease in employment within a specific career field over a certain period of time.
Projected Job Growth of 10%
Related Careers
The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services, Lightcast, CareerOneStop, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For more details regarding the data sources and the specific information sourced, click here.
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