Chemical Engineer Jobs in St. Louis, MO

St. Louis, Missouri$87,750 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: April 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About Chemical Engineer Jobs in St. Louis

Looking for a Chemical Engineer job in St. Louis? You're in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know about working as a Chemical Engineer in St. Louis, MO.

We'll show you what you can expect to earn. We'll also share which companies are hiring. Plus, you'll learn about the cost of living and how to get started in your job search.

St. Louis has a strong job market for Chemical Engineers. Many employers are actively looking for talent. Read on to learn how to land your next role.

Chemical Engineer Salary in St. Louis

Entry Level
$57,375
Median
$87,750
Senior Level
$124,200

Chemical Engineer salaries in St. Louis are in line with national averages, offering competitive compensation for the region.

Purchasing power in St. Louis is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

Process DesignSafetyQuality ControlScale-upR&D

Chemical Engineer Job Market in St. Louis

St. Louis, MO is a major regional employment hub for Chemical Engineer professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, St. Louis offers focused opportunities and often better work-life balance. While Healthcare leads the local economy, there's growing demand for Chemical Engineer roles across various sectors. The market for Chemical Engineer positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Chemical Engineers in St. Louis

City of St. LouisMetro TransitAmerenWashington University

Major employers hiring Chemical Engineers in St. Louis include City of St. Louis, Metro Transit, Ameren, Washington University. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Chemical Engineers in St. Louis

Living in St. Louis as a Chemical Engineer means navigating a cost of living that's close to the national average. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,100/month (39% below the national average). At median Chemical Engineer salary, housing is quite affordable at 15% of gross income, leaving room for savings and lifestyle spending.

90
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.1K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 2
Market Size

Commuting as a Chemical Engineer in St. Louis

St. Louis Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute time is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services. Consider living close to your workplace. Since transit options are limited, consider living close to your workplace or negotiating flexible hours to avoid peak traffic.

Best neighborhoods for Chemical Engineers in St. Louis: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Chemical Engineer professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in Missouri

Missouri has moderate state income taxes. When evaluating offers, consider total compensation including benefits, not just base salary. Local cost of living typically has more impact on your finances than state tax differences.

Career Outlook for Chemical Engineers

The job outlook for Chemical Engineers in St. Louis is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. St. Louis's growing economy creates new positions regularly, often with less competition than coastal tech hubs. In-demand skills include Process Design, Safety, Quality Control, Scale-up.

Relocating to St. Louis

St. Louis's affordable cost of living means your Chemical Engineer salary will stretch further than in major coastal cities. Many professionals relocate here for better quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Chemical Engineer salary in St. Louis, MO?

The average Chemical Engineer salary in St. Louis, MO is $87,750 per year. Entry-level Chemical Engineers typically start around $57,375, while experienced professionals can earn $124,200 or more. The national average for Chemical Engineer roles is $97,500.

How many Chemical Engineer jobs are available in St. Louis?

St. Louis has a strong job market with regular openings for Chemical Engineer professionals. Major employers hiring Chemical Engineers include City of St. Louis, Metro Transit, Ameren, Washington University. The Healthcare and Finance sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is St. Louis a good city for Chemical Engineers?

St. Louis is an very good choice for Chemical Engineers. As a major metro area, it offers abundant opportunities and competitive salaries. The affordable cost of living means salaries go further than in more expensive markets. The city's healthcare industry creates strong demand for engineering professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Chemical Engineers in St. Louis?

Top skills for Chemical Engineers in St. Louis include Process Design, Safety, Quality Control, Scale-up, R&D. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Chemical Engineers in St. Louis?

St. Louis's cost of living is near the national average (90% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,100/month. Purchasing power in St. Louis is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Chemical Engineers in St. Louis?

St. Louis Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services.

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