Chemical Engineer Jobs in Long Beach, CA

Long Beach, California$144,300 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: March 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

Chemical Engineer Salary in Long Beach

Entry Level
$94,350
Median
$144,300
Senior Level
$204,240

Chemical Engineer salaries in Long Beach are 48% above the national average, reflecting the high cost of living.

Purchasing power in Long Beach 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 Long Beach

Long Beach, CA is a growing job market with increasing opportunities for Chemical Engineer professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, Long Beach offers focused opportunities and often better work-life balance. While Logistics 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 Long Beach

Local governmentRegional employersNational companies

Major employers hiring Chemical Engineers in Long Beach 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 Long Beach

Living in Long Beach as a Chemical Engineer means navigating a cost of living that's significantly above the national average (148% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. At median Chemical Engineer salary, housing is quite affordable at 15% of gross income, leaving room for savings and lifestyle spending. Suburban apartments average $1,400/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

148
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.8K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 3
Market Size

Commuting as a Chemical Engineer in Long Beach

Long Beach 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 Long Beach: 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 California

California has relatively high state income taxes. A Chemical Engineer earning $144,300 might pay approximately $11,544 in state income tax. However, California's strong job market and quality of life often offset the higher tax burden.

Career Outlook for Chemical Engineers

The job outlook for Chemical Engineers in Long Beach is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. While the market is smaller, Long Beach 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 Long Beach

California has higher state income taxes. Factor this into salary negotiations, as gross salary comparisons can be misleading.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Chemical Engineer salary in Long Beach, CA?

The average Chemical Engineer salary in Long Beach, CA is $144,300 per year. Entry-level Chemical Engineers typically start around $94,350, while experienced professionals can earn $204,240 or more. The national average for Chemical Engineer roles is $97,500.

How many Chemical Engineer jobs are available in Long Beach?

Long Beach 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 Logistics and Healthcare sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Long Beach a good city for Chemical Engineers?

Long Beach is an solid choice for Chemical Engineers. While not as large as coastal metros, it offers solid opportunities and often better work-life balance. However, be aware of the higher cost of living when evaluating offers. The city's logistics industry creates strong demand for engineering professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Chemical Engineers in Long Beach?

Top skills for Chemical Engineers in Long Beach 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 Long Beach?

Long Beach's cost of living is significantly above the national average (148% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Purchasing power in Long Beach is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Chemical Engineers in Long Beach?

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

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