Chemical Engineer Jobs in Dayton, OH

Dayton, Ohio$81,900 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: March 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

Chemical Engineer Salary in Dayton

Entry Level
$53,550
Median
$81,900
Senior Level
$115,920

Chemical Engineer salaries in Dayton are 16% below the national average, though the lower cost of living often provides similar purchasing power.

Purchasing power in Dayton 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 Dayton

Dayton, OH is a specialized market with unique career opportunities for Chemical Engineer professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, Dayton offers focused opportunities and often better work-life balance. While Aerospace 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 Dayton

Local governmentRegional employersNational companies

Major employers hiring Chemical Engineers in Dayton include Local government, Regional employers, National companies. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Chemical Engineers in Dayton

Living in Dayton as a Chemical Engineer means navigating a cost of living that's below the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious professionals. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Housing costs are manageable for Chemical Engineer salaries in the area. Suburban apartments average $1,400/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

84
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.8K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 4
Market Size

Commuting as a Chemical Engineer in Dayton

Dayton 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 Dayton: 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 Ohio

Ohio 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 Dayton is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. While the market is smaller, Dayton offers opportunities for those seeking specialized roles or better work-life balance. In-demand skills include Process Design, Safety, Quality Control, Scale-up.

Relocating to Dayton

Dayton'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 Dayton, OH?

The average Chemical Engineer salary in Dayton, OH is $81,900 per year. Entry-level Chemical Engineers typically start around $53,550, while experienced professionals can earn $115,920 or more. The national average for Chemical Engineer roles is $97,500.

How many Chemical Engineer jobs are available in Dayton?

Dayton has a growing job market with steady opportunities for Chemical Engineer professionals. Major employers hiring Chemical Engineers include Local government, Regional employers, National companies. The Aerospace and Defense sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Dayton a good city for Chemical Engineers?

Dayton is an solid choice for Chemical Engineers. While not as large as coastal metros, it offers solid opportunities and often better work-life balance. The affordable cost of living means salaries go further than in more expensive markets. The city's aerospace industry creates strong demand for engineering professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Chemical Engineers in Dayton?

Top skills for Chemical Engineers in Dayton 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 Dayton?

Dayton's cost of living is below the national average (84% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Purchasing power in Dayton is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Chemical Engineers in Dayton?

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

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