Chemical Engineers

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) projects that employment for chemical engineers will grow by 10 percent, which is much faster than the average for all careers through 2032. There will continue to be job openings as many chemical engineers retire in the next decade. The U.S. chemicals industry accounted for 11 percent of the global total chemical production, providing more than half a million people with jobs, as reported by the American Chemistry Council. The strong market share of the U.S. chemical industry suggests that there will continue to be good opportunities for chemical engineers in the future.

The demand for chemical engineers correlates with the volume and type of products being manufactured in the United States. The DOL predicts that increased natural gas production in the U.S. will fuel demand for chemical engineers who work in manufacturing. Additionally, new opportunities are emerging for chemical engineers in alternative energies, nanotechnology, and biotechnology. Students who keep these fields in mind when gaining education and experience are apt to be more competitive.