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Is Chemical Engineering a Good Career in North Carolina?

North Carolina · 2026 BLS salary data

Chemical Engineering pay in North Carolina

The median wage is $117,410/yr — 6% below the national median. Among U.S. states, North Carolinaranks #18 of 41 states by median pay.

The numbers in North Carolina

Real BLS state-level figures for Chemical Engineering.

Median salary
$117,410/yr
Pay range (25th–75th)
$95,920 – $141,260
National median
$125,040/yr
Employed in North Carolina
380

Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics (OEWS), state estimates, May 2025 release.

What that pay is really worth in North Carolina

Salary alone can mislead — North Carolina costs 6% less than the U.S. average. Here's the median adjusted for local prices (real purchasing power).

Cost of living (US=100)
94.3
Nominal median
$117,410
Adjusted for cost of living
≈ $124,507
State income tax
Up to 4.25%

Because North Carolina costs 6% less than the U.S. average, its pay stretches further — it ranks #13 of 41 once adjusted for cost of living, up from #18 on raw salary.

Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities (all items, US=100), 2024. Adjusted pay = nominal median ÷ (RPP/100) — purchasing power vs the U.S. average. State income tax = top marginal rate on wage income (Tax Foundation, 2025); your effective rate is lower and depends on income and deductions.

The verdict, pros, and cons below apply to Chemical Engineering nationally — North Carolina pay is 6% below the national median. See the full Chemical Engineering career guide →

The verdict

Yes on pay, mixed on growth — chemical engineering is among the highest-paying bachelor's degrees, but projected growth is only average and jobs cluster around industrial regions. A strong choice if you handle the demanding coursework and are flexible on location.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Among the highest-paying bachelor's degrees
  • Versatile across energy, pharma, materials, food
  • Strong analytical, transferable skills
  • Clear paths into process and management roles
  • Respected, rigorous credential

Cons

  • Only average projected growth
  • Very demanding coursework
  • Jobs concentrated near industrial plants
  • Some sites are remote or hazardous
  • Cyclical with energy and chemicals demand

Who it's for

✓ A good fit if…

  • Strong chemistry/math students
  • People wanting top bachelor's-level pay
  • Those flexible on industrial-region jobs

✗ Probably not if…

  • People needing location flexibility
  • Those wanting a less demanding degree

What people are actually asking

Real Reddit discussions on whether Chemical Engineering is worth it — titles link to the original threads.