- Salary statistics
- Engineer, chemical engineering
Engineer, chemical engineering
31 900 - 45 100 kr / month
Women earn 98% of what men do.
Tekniskt arbete
Salary progression Engineer, chemical engineering
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.
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.
Salary distributed by age and sector
| Age | 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 |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 32900 kr | 32900 kr | |
| Snitt | 32700 kr | 32700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 32900 kr | 32900 kr | |
| Snitt | 32700 kr | 32700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 100% | 38800 kr | 39500 kr |
| 35-44 | 107% | 43600 kr | 44400 kr |
| 45-54 | 104% | 48700 kr | 49600 kr |
| 55-64 | 91% | 46000 kr | 47200 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 42800 kr | 43700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 100% | 38800 kr | 39500 kr |
| 35-44 | 107% | 43600 kr | 44400 kr |
| 45-54 | 104% | 48700 kr | 49600 kr |
| 55-64 | 91% | 46000 kr | 47200 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 42800 kr | 43700 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 100% | 38500 kr | 39600 kr |
| 35-44 | 107% | 42600 kr | 43400 kr |
| 45-54 | 104% | 47600 kr | 48600 kr |
| 55-64 | 91% | 47800 kr | 49500 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 42800 kr | 44000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 100% | 38500 kr | 39600 kr |
| 35-44 | 107% | 42600 kr | 43400 kr |
| 45-54 | 104% | 47600 kr | 48600 kr |
| 55-64 | 91% | 47800 kr | 49500 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 42800 kr | 44000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 100% | 38500 kr | 39600 kr |
| 35-44 | 107% | 42600 kr | 43400 kr |
| 45-54 | 104% | 47600 kr | 48600 kr |
| 55-64 | 91% | 47800 kr | 49500 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 42800 kr | 44000 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 100% | 39100 kr | 39400 kr |
| 35-44 | 107% | 45600 kr | 46200 kr |
| 45-54 | 104% | 50000 kr | 50700 kr |
| 55-64 | 91% | 44200 kr | 44800 kr |
| Snitt | 98% | 42800 kr | 43300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 31900 kr | 31900 kr | |
| Snitt | 32100 kr | 32100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 31900 kr | 31900 kr | |
| Snitt | 32100 kr | 32100 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 100% | 39100 kr | 39400 kr |
| 35-44 | 107% | 45600 kr | 46300 kr |
| 45-54 | 104% | 50000 kr | 50700 kr |
| 55-64 | 91% | 44200 kr | 44800 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 42800 kr | 43300 kr |
| Age | Base salary | Monthly salary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-34 | 100% | 39100 kr | 39400 kr |
| 35-44 | 107% | 45600 kr | 46300 kr |
| 45-54 | 104% | 50000 kr | 50700 kr |
| 55-64 | 91% | 44200 kr | 44800 kr |
| Snitt | 99% | 42800 kr | 43300 kr |
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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