Careers

Chemical and biomolecular engineering is a discipline whose study prepares students for an enormously varied set of career paths. Graduates have become corporate executives, plant engineers, professors, inventors, lawyers, researchers, bankers, money managers, physicians, consultants, financial officers, and sales engineers. They have found employment with oil, chemical, biomedical, pharmaceutical, microelectronics, environmental, pulp and paper, food, textile, fertilizer, fragrance, and automobile companies, and with academia, government, banks, and brokerages. Chemical engineers have led the development of biomedicine and biotechnology and they have been crucial to the materials revolution, especially in computer chip manufacture, nanotechnology, and plastics and fibers. Additionally, they are essential in providing the everyday energy needs of the nation. Chemical and biomolecular engineering emphasizes environmentally benign manufacturing and sustainable development.

Earning Potential

Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering majors have one of the highest starting salaries of any major, usually ranking first or second in yearly surveys. In 2011, the median (and the average) starting salary was around $65,000. Chemical engineers with 15 years of experience earned a median salary of $109,000.

More Information

US Department of Labor's Occupational Outlook Handbook

2011-2012 PayScale College Salary Report