Image that illustrates Engineer, chemical engineering

Engineer, chemical engineering

43 600 kr

Engineers and technicians in chemistry and chemical engineering

31 900 - 45 100 kr / month

Women earn 98% of what men do.

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Salary progression Engineer, chemical engineering

Average salary 43 600 kr
Males 44 000 kr
Females 43 300 kr

What does a chemical engineering engineer do? – Tasks and work environment

A chemical engineering engineer mainly works on developing, optimizing, and supervising processes for the production of chemicals, materials, and energy. Tasks include designing production facilities, optimizing chemical processes, quality control, and environmental analyses. Chemical engineers are often employed in industries such as pharmaceuticals, food, energy, and manufacturing. The work environment is typically laboratory- or industry-based but can also include project management and collaboration in interdisciplinary teams.

Salary development over time

The salary for a chemical engineering engineer has steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 40,200 SEK per month. The following year, it increased to 42 500, representing a rise of about 5.7%. In 2024, the average salary continued to grow to 43 600, an increase of an additional 2.6% from the previous year. The salary trend reflects high demand for technical expertise in chemical engineering, especially as industry focuses more on sustainability and innovation. The steady growth indicates a robust job market for chemical engineering engineers, though salaries may vary depending on sector, experience, and education level.

Chemical engineering engineer salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 43 600 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 31,900 SEK/month (female, public sector, 3+ years post-secondary education)
  • Highest salary: 45,100 SEK/month (male, private sector, post-secondary education shorter than 3 years)
  • Hourly wage (average): 262 SEK
  • Women earn: 43,300 SEK/month
  • Men earn: 44 000 SEK/month
  • Women's share of men's salary: 98%

Education and qualifications

To work as a chemical engineering engineer, a university or master’s degree in chemical engineering or related fields is typically required. The education is often theoretically demanding, combining chemistry, physics, and mathematics with technical applications. Practical components and project work are common, along with opportunities for internships or international studies to broaden skills.

  • Master’s degree in chemical engineering: 5 years
  • Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering: 3 years
  • Internships/trainee programs: Strongly recommended
  • Prerequisites: Science-focused high school education with emphasis on mathematics and chemistry
  • Additional courses/certifications: Environmental technology, process control, project management

Many chemical engineering engineers work on international projects or for global companies, providing opportunities for international assignments and collaboration across cultures. Language skills and the ability to work in multicultural teams can thus be highly valuable.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Chemical engineering engineers are often offered benefits such as pension schemes, wellness allowances, and flexible working hours. Other common compensations include bonus programs, training grants, and options for remote work. In some cases, advantageous insurance solutions and extra vacation days are also provided, especially within larger companies and international corporations.

Competition and challenges

The profession as a chemical engineering engineer is competitive, especially at larger industrial companies and in attractive regions. Challenges include rapid technological changes, demands for continuous further education, and the need to stay updated on environmental legislation and sustainability issues. The job market is also characterized by project-based employment and some sensitivity to economic cycles, although demand is generally stable. To stand out, specialized skills or experience with modern processes and digitalization in industry are often required.

Tips for aspiring chemical engineering engineers

To succeed as a chemical engineering engineer, it’s beneficial to combine analytical skills with curiosity and problem-solving abilities. Engaging early in project work and internships provides valuable insight into daily work and strengthens communication skills, which are important in team collaboration. Precision and responsibility are crucial for safety and quality in processes, so developing a structured work methodology pays off. Keeping up with technological news and participating in industry seminars can offer advantages in job applications and career growth. Building a professional network during studies is also wise, as many recruitment opportunities arise through contacts. Finally, initiative and independence are highly valued, as self-directed projects and innovation are often rewarded in the field of chemical engineering.

Key facts about Chemical Engineering Engineer

  • Education level: University or master’s degree (3–5 years)
  • Work environment: Industry, laboratory, and office settings
  • Demand: 564 job openings within the profession
  • Gender salary gap: Women earn 98% of men's salaries
  • Work form: Full-time, sometimes project-based or consulting

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a chemical engineering engineer can advance to roles such as process engineer, project manager, or specialist within a specific technical area. Other potential career steps include environmental manager, production manager, or sustainability consultant. The Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts for the profession are uncertain due to limited statistical data, but the job market is considered stable with a continuous need for qualified chemical technicians. Technological development and the industry’s increased focus on sustainability and innovation are expected to further drive demand. Currently, there are 564 job openings, indicating good opportunities for recent graduates and experienced engineers.

Frequently asked questions about Chemical Engineering Engineer

  • What does a chemical engineering engineer earn?
    - The average salary is 43 600 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience and sector.
  • Are there gender differences in salary?
    - Yes, women earn 98% of men's salaries within the profession.
  • What education is required?
    - A university or master’s degree in chemical engineering is standard.
  • What does the job market look like?
    - There are 564 job openings within the profession, but the outlook is uncertain according to the Swedish Public Employment Service.
  • What are the highest and lowest salaries?
    - The highest salary is 45,100 SEK, and the lowest is 31,900 SEK, depending on sector, gender, and education.
  • What benefits are common?
    - Pension schemes, wellness allowances, bonuses, and flexible working hours are common benefits.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Engineer, chemical engineering is 45100 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Privately employed officials with a post-secondary education, less than 3 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 43300 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Engineer, chemical engineering is 31900 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Public sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 42600 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 100% 38800 kr 39500 kr
35-44 107% 43500 kr 44300 kr
45-54 104% 48700 kr 49600 kr
55-64 91% 46000 kr 47200 kr
Snitt 98% 42800 kr 43600 kr
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession Engineer, chemical engineering has the SSYK code 3115, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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Net salary 31 377
Net salary
31 377
Taxes
11 738
Fees
12 129

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* Updated with 2025 taxes