Chemical Engineers develop and design chemical manufacturing processes. They apply major sciences like math, chemistry, biology, and physics to solve problems. These problems can include the production of chemicals, fuel, pharmaceuticals, and food. There are many reasons why someone might want to change their career. One reason a chemical engineer changes their career deals with the work-life balance. It often requires long hours that might not be suited for family life. Another reason people leave is because of the technical side. Many jobs heavily focus on the technical side like planning, writing, or presentations. People that prefer the lab side might want to make a switch. When it comes to chemical engineering, layoffs tend to happen quite often, which leads people to seek out another job to use their degree in. The good news is many alternative careers for chemical engineers exist.
1. Water Resource Engineer
Salary Range: Bottom 10% earn $79,340. Median annual salary $92,120. Top 10% earn $122,020 as of May 2020
Job Growth: 3% by 2029 (fast as average)
Water Resource Engineers is a type of civil engineering where you design new systems and equipment to help manage water resources. You might work with water treatment facilities, underground wells, or natural springs. The average day of a Water Resource Engineer consists of analyzing data from specific areas, design new or improve existing facilities to enhance water cleansing. These engineers need to make budgets, regulations, and other factors into account when designing. They may even involve themselves in the maintenance or construction of the systems.
Transferable Skills:
• Problem-solving skills
• Analytic skills
• Time management skills
• Good teamwork and people management skills
• Project management experience
• Communication and negotiation skills
2. Mining Engineer
Salary Range: Bottom 10% earn $62, 826. Median annual salary $93,800. Top 10% earn $136,000 as of May 2020
Job Growth: 4% by 2029 (as fast as average)
Mining Engineers ensure the development of mines is efficient and safe. They focus on other surfaces and underground operations. This type of engineer oversees every part of the project. They need to know how the structures affect the surrounding environment. These engineers assist with the planning of a mine’s structure. They will manage staff activities in sections or the whole site to ensure safety procedures are always followed. Mining Engineers may manage budgets, keep a detailed record of each project, and even fill in disused mine shafts.
Transferable Skills:
• Strategic planning
• Scheduling
• Engineering design
• Technical analysis
• Project management
• Team and communication skills
3. Analytic Chemist
Salary Range: Bottom 10% earn $49,000. Median annual salary $80,060. Top 10% earn $100,000 as of May 2020
Job Growth: 5% by 2029 (faster than average)
Analytic Chemists often work in service-related jobs. The more common industries they work in are academia, government, and industry. They perform laboratory research, process and product development, design instruments used in the analysis, teach, or work in marketing and law. This is one of the ideal professions for someone that prefers a challenge. You’ll enjoy it if you want to make strides in the scientific community. For example, some Analytic Chemists may help physicians diagnose diseases, ensure the safety of pharmaceuticals or food, and uses statistics to solve problems in all areas of chemistry.
Transferable skills:
• IT skills
• Theoretical knowledge of analytical techniques
• Problem-solving skills
• Attention to detail
• Analytic skills
• Excellent verbal communication
4. Biotechnologist
Salary Range: Bottom 10% earn $38,000. Median annual salary $61,732. Top 10% earn $99,000 as of May 2020
Job Growth: 5% by 2029 (faster than average)
Biotechnologists manipulate organisms to create new products or processes. They must study all areas of a cell (physical, genetic, and chemical). They then study industrial applications for them. This career path can take you in the agricultural, medicine, waste treatment, or food production industry. Most biotechnologists work in a lab setting and assist scientists or doctors with research. They might manage lab equipment, synthesize chemicals, or report findings. Some may even go into the field to collect samples or take note of how a process works outside a clinical environment. Other biotechnologists may specialize in a subfield. Depending on their educational background, they might end up working for pharmaceutical companies, research assistants, food technologist, EPA, or academia.
Transferable Skills:
• Analytic skills
• Detail-orientated
• Problem-solving skills
• Project management experience
• Strong organizational skills
• Strong communication skills
5. Environmental Engineer
Salary Range: Bottom 10% earn $50,000. Median annual salary $92,120. Top 10% earn $119,639 as of May 2020
Job Growth: 3% (as fast as average)
Environmental Engineers use their knowledge of soil science, chemistry, engineering, and biology to solve problems that occur in the environment. They aim to reduce pollution, recycle, and public health issues. For example, an Environmental Engineer may devise a plan for effective water waste management. You might treat industrial wastewater, manage municipal water supply, prevent waterborne diseases, and improve sanitation.
Most people in this career field work for engineering firms, scientific and technical consulting firms, and management. Others choose to work with the government at either the local, state, or federal level. Depending on the type of project you’re involved in, you may work both indoors and outdoors. This job generally requires you to work longer than the standard 9-5. Most Environmental Engineers work more than 40 hours per week.
Transferable Skills:
• IT skills
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Critical thinking skills
• Problem-solving
• Project management experience
6. Industrial Engineer
Salary Range: Bottom 10% earn $56,300. Median annual salary $88,950. Top 10% earn $132,900 as of May 2020
Job Growth: 10% (much faster than average)
Industrial Engineers look for ways to improve processes and design ways to become more efficient and waste fewer resources like labor, money, materials, or energy. They’re concerned with increasing productivity and the way a business is run. For example, the management of people, technology, and the methods of the organization.
Industrial Engineers study product requirements and design manufacturing or information systems to meet the requirements. They develop tools to aid in financial planning or cost analysis, production planning and control systems for product quality, and improve or design systems for the distribution of goods or services. This career is also responsible for developing wage or salary administration systems, and job evaluation programs. Depending on the worksite, you may work indoors or outdoors.
Transferable Skills:
• Analytic skills
• Detail-orientated
• Teamwork skills
• Creative skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
7. Agricultural Engineer
Salary Range: Bottom 10% earn .Median annual salary $84,410. Top 10% earn
Job Growth: 2% (slower than average)
Agricultural Engineers mainly concentrate on the integration of technology with farming. They may design new or improve farming equipment to perform tasks more efficiently. However, you can develop specialties in this field. For example, someone interested in sustainability may work on water quality or pollution issues. Some may focus on waste and carbon sequestration. Others may stick to the core activities like designing and testing agricultural machinery or equipment.
This career will require both indoor and outdoor work. It can require a significant amount of traffic to and from work sites. You will spend time in an office environment to create plans, analyze data, create a budget, research, create and present reports, or manage projects. Outdoor activities include supervising a construction site, monitoring equipment, or problem-solving an issue that may occur on a project.
Transferable Skills:
• Problem-solving skills
• Analytic skills
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Teamwork skills
• Judgment and decision making
8. Occupational Health and Safety Specialist
Salary Range: Bottom 10% $38,000. Median annual salary $72,530. Top 10% earn $108,520 as of May 2020
Job Growth: 4% by 2029 (as fast as average)
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists work in several different areas. They may work for government agencies, manufacturing facilities, construction sites, hospitals, health care facilities, or in the technical services industry. This career requires a lot of data gathering and analysis. These specialists aim to learn as much as possible about the environment they’re in and how the employees work.
They ensure that all policies for health and safety are followed according to the current industry regulations. They may conduct tests to support their findings or analyze how a certain factor may impact workers or the environment. Technicians may create and conduct new job training programs if management issues are found.
Transferable Skills:
• Problem-solving skills
• IT skills
• Detail-orientated
• Interpersonal and communication skills
• Physical stamina (sitting or standing for long periods)
9. Color Technologist
Salary Range: Bottom 10% earn $28,500. Median annual salary $48,944. Top 10% earn $91,000 as of April 2021
Job Growth: 2% by 2028 (as fast as average)
While this seems this a hairdresser’s job, it is an important process in the manufacturing process. A Color Technologist oversees the color application when it comes to the manufacturing industry. They’re typically involved in producing colors for food items, vehicles, paper, or any type of product that requires color for aesthetic reasons. They mostly work with dye or pigmentation to get the colors they need. Some Color Technologists conduct research and studies to determine how people perceive color. Others may take on a more retail sector and liaise with suppliers and end-users.
Transferable Skills:
• Detail-oriented
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• IT skills
• Organizational skills
• Adaptable and flexible
10. Petroleum Engineer
Salary Range: Bottom 10% earn $78,620. Median annual salary $137,330. Top 10% earn 208,000 as of May 2020
Job Growth: 3% by 2028 (as fast as average)
Petroleum engineers concern themselves with the production of oil and gas. When a new reservoir is located, these engineers analyze it to determine if it will generate a profit. If it does, they create the drilling and extraction plan to remove it with little cost. Engineers must find ways to drill through the internal divisions, so the oil flows to a well. When it comes to shale, engineers have to calculate how to fracture the beds efficiently to retrieve the oil. Some Petroleum Engineers oversee production operations and ensure safety regulations are being followed. This career path also includes hands-on experience with machinery. You will maintain the drills and pumping equipment while on a site and may even operate it at times.
Transferable Skills:
• Problem-solving skills
• Troubleshooting ability
• Analytic skills
• Excellent math skills
• IT skills
• Machinery and mechanical skills
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the alternative jobs for retired chemical engineers?
Many retired engineers often made enough money in their lifetime to not have to continue to work. However, some people prefer to keep busy. In this case, you can become a teacher or run classes for young engineers. Some work for a consulting company part-time.
What are some cool jobs for chemical engineers?
It will depend on what you define as “cool.” Many people find the field exciting as it is, while others might find the gas and oil industry worthwhile. Some may love the idea of working with scientists or doctors. It all depends on you and your interests.
What are the emerging fields in chemical engineering?
In light of recent world events, biotechnology has started to increase in demand. It provides progress in connectivity and data analytics. The great news about your degree is that you can enter this field without a new degree. Environmental technologies have been another main area of focus as the threat of Global Warming becomes more prominent.
What are some non-engineering careers for chemical engineers?
There are a few non-engineering jobs for chemical engineers. Technical sales, technical services, analyst positions, production supervisors, and operations or supply chains are some of the most common non-traditional jobs where skills transfer.
Final Thoughts
Changing your career path can scare you. You might wonder if you’ll be able to get a job quickly should you decide to give up your current path. You don’t need to worry. You can make the switch to various career paths with your chemical engineering degree. You won’t have to obtain a new degree either! Chemical engineering offers a great general start for anyone that wants to get involved in an engineering career or a job in a similar discipline.
