by our College Data Analytics TeamStudying Chemical Engineering Technology covers Chemical Engineering Technology/technician. A Program That Prepares Individuals To Apply Basic Engineering Principles And Technical Skills In Support Of Engineers And Other Professionals Engaged In The Production And Utilization Of Chemicals On An Industrial Scale. Includes Instruction In Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Industrial Processes, Instrumental Analysis, Sampling And Monitoring, And Chemical And Environmental Safety. Continue reading for the important information every chemical engineering technology student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering chemical engineering technology programs.
In the U.S., chemical engineering technology is a widely-pursued major, with 63 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Chemical Engineering Technology Schools ranking analyzes these 6 schools to determine the best overall colleges for chemical engineering technology students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of chemical engineering technology programs later in this article.
Studies in Chemical Engineering Technology develop a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations chemical engineering technology graduates commonly enter.
The skill set built by a chemical engineering technology program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Based on O*NET data, a chemical engineering technology major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several chemical engineering technology degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 13 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 17 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 1 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 32 |
People currently working in careers related to chemical engineering technology tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma or equivalent | 47.2% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 25.4% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 9.2% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 6.9% |
| Some college courses | 6.8% |
| Master’s degree | 2.3% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 2.2% |
See the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in chemical engineering technology careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
Majoring in chemical engineering technology can lead to numerous career paths. Here are some of the most common occupations related to chemical engineering technology.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to chemical engineering technology.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Photonics Technicians | 306,018 | 1.6% |
| Non-Destructive Testing Specialists | 295,668 | 3.0% |
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other | 169,705 | 2.0% |
The U.S. Department of Education tracks median earnings of chemical engineering technology graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Earnings tend to climb as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $59,570 |
| 4 years | $66,536 |
| 5 years | $74,003 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for chemical engineering technology graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers chemical engineering technology grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other | $121,642 |
| Photonics Technicians | $106,964 |
| Non-Destructive Testing Specialists | $57,631 |
With 6 different chemical engineering technology programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased chemical engineering technology school rankings to help you.
Those considering chemical engineering technology, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
