IChemE boss: You've have never had it so good
6 May 2008
London - Chemical Engineers have achieved an average pay rise of around 9% over the last two years, according to the 2008 IChemE Salary Survey. The study puts the average annual salary for chemical engineers in the UK and Ireland at £47,000 - somewhat below the £60,000 that Ineos says it pays its technicans at Grangemouth.
"There has never been a better time to be a chemical engineer," said IChemE chief executive Dr David Brown in a press statement to launch the survey: “Not only are the salaries of experienced chemical engineers on the up, the average chemical engineering graduate salary is now £26,000/year."
According to the IChemE boss, the higher earnings reflect growing demand for chemical and process engineers. "The impact of climate change is a matter of international concern and it will be chemical and process engineers who are responsible for finding the solutions,” said Brown.
Chemical engineering salaries have risen by over 50% since 1996 and those choosing to work towards chartered status are reaping further rewards, said IChemE. Chartered chemical engineers in their 30s can expect to earn 17% more than a non-chartered professional of the same age, rising to 38% for a chartered professional in their 50s.
