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The overall median salary for chemical engineers in 2014 fell by around 1%
28/07/2015
Chemical engineering salaries holding steady
Median pay averages out at £55,000/y
Richard Jansen-Parkes
NEW research from IChemE reveals that median pay rates for chemical and process engineers in the UK and Ireland have remained broadly static over the past year, averaging out at £55,000/y (US$86,000/y).
Over 2,000 IChemE members in the UK and Ireland contributed to the survey, which is available online. It found that the overall median salary for chemical engineers in 2014 fell by around 1% from 2013.
This marks a significant change from previous surveys, which have generally shown significant increases in pay. Between 2011 and 2013 median salaries had grown by nearly 6%.
However, despite the overall slow-downsome sectors continued to report increases. Chemical engineers working in oil exploration and production saw their median salary rise from £71,000/y in 2013 to £73,500/y last year. The median starting salary for graduate chemical engineers also saw a small increase, rising to £30,000/y from £29,500/y.
IChemE director of policy, Andy Furlong, says that the survey shows that chemical engineering “remains an excellent career choice, both in terms of earnings potential and career opportunity.”
“Pay rates for chemical engineers are holding steady despite ongoing economic uncertainty and the dramatic drop in the oil price last year,” he continues. “Chemical engineers still command the best salaries, as shown by the continued increase in graduate starting salaries.”
The survey also highlights a marked difference in median pay rates for fully qualified or Chartered Chemical Engineers versus their non-chartered counterparts. For example, in the 30–34 age range, annual earnings for Chartered Chemical Engineers outpaced those of non-chartered chemical engineers by 25%, with median salary rates at £58,000/y compared to £43,000/y.
The gender pay gap also remains evident with women achieving a median salary of £42,500/y compared to £60,000/y for men over a career lifetime. Between the ages of 30 and 50, female engineers are earning an average of 21% less than their male colleagues.
“More work is needed to close the gender pay gap and to support and promote female chemical engineers,” says Furlong. “Employers must address pay parity, equality and inclusion.
“IChemE is also working hard to promote the profession to school pupils, particularly girls, in a concerted attempt to redress the gender imbalance in engineering.”
