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Chemical Engineer

Chemical Engineer Image

Chemical engineers design, plan, construct and operate large-scale manufacturing processes. This could be for a wide range of goods from fuel oils to food, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. They also help manage world resources and protect the environment. Chemical engineers work in either research and development or manufacturing.

They are sometimes known as process engineers.

The Work

You could be:

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:

The average starting salary for chemical engineers is around £30,000 a year. With experience this can rise to between £35,000 and £55,000. Chartered engineers can earn up to £70,000 a year or more.

Conditions

Workforce Employment Status

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Useful Subjects

Getting In

Chemical engineers work in the chemicals, food and drink, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, plastics, paper, textiles, oil, gas, coal, artificial fibres and water industries. There are also jobs in engineering contracting companies to design and build production plants. Work is available in the UK and abroad and there is a steady demand for qualified staff throughout the world.

Workforce Education Levels (UK)

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Job Outlook Scotland

Employment

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Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland
2024
3393
1 %
RISE
2029
3427
  United Kingdom
2024
39344
2.7 %
RISE
2029
40412

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What Does it Take?

You need to have:

You need to be able to:

Training

Getting On

More Information

As the regulatory body for the UK engineering profession, the Engineering Council sets and maintains the internationally recognised standards of professional competence.

Employment prospects in this area are very good. Jobs are widely available and process plants are located in industrial areas throughout the UK (particularly Scotland, the Midlands, North West and North East England) and overseas.

The Tomorrow’s Engineers website has more information on careers in engineering.

Video

Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.

Cogent
Tel: 01925 515200
Website: http://www.cogentskills.com
Twitter: @cogent_skills
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CogentSkills

Cogent is the Sector Skills Council for the science industries.

Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE)
Tel: 01788 578214
E-mail: membersupport@icheme.org
Website: http://www.icheme.org/
Website (2): http://www.whynotchemeng.com/
Twitter: @IChemE
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/icheme1

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Career Area

Engineering

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