Chemical Engineer
28AI CAN DO28%moving to70%
THE DOOR, NOWB
THE DOOR, 20 YRSD
STARTING PAY£28,000 - £35,000
REGULATORY MOATThe law requires human oversight. That human could be you.
CAREERMASH (EN)FROM ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY →
Chemical Engineer
Chemical engineers turn raw materials into useful everyday things - medicines, cleaner fuels, food and plastics. They design the big machines and steps that make these products safely, without wasting resources.
This job holds up well against AI
AI cannot yet do much of what this job actually involves, and the law requires human oversight. That human could be you. That is about as safe as careers get right now, though it is still worth learning to use the tools well.
Career progression path
Is this the only route?
This is the standard academic trajectory, but modern careers are highly flexible. You can often skip stagesby entering the industry with an advanced qualification (like a Master's or PhD), or pivot sideways from a related discipline.
0ACADEMIC FOUNDATIONUniversity DegreeUsually 3 to 4 years of full-time academic study, explicitly preparing you for the theoretical realities of the industry. Requires A-Levels, BTECs, or equivalent Level 3.-£299,550Avg. UK tuition & living
1FIRST STEPJunior Chemical EngineerAs a Junior Chemical Engineer, you will assist in the design and optimisation of chemical processes, working under the supervision of senior engineers. Your role will involve conducting experiments, collecting data, and supporting project teams in various tasks.£28,000 - £35,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEMid-level Chemical EngineerIn a mid-level position, you will take on more responsibility, leading projects and mentoring junior engineers. You will be expected to manage budgets, timelines, and ensure that projects meet regulatory standards.£45,000 - £60,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior Chemical Engineer / Head of EngineeringAt the peak of your career, you will oversee large engineering teams and projects, driving innovation and strategic direction within the organisation. Your expertise will be crucial in shaping the future of chemical engineering practices.£70,000+
Recommended UK degrees
Real courses that qualify you for this career, from the same register that priced the degree above.
Master TEKNOLOGI (MAS-BRANN)Royal Norwegian Naval Academy · MasterBachelor of Technology (B.Tech) - Computer Science And Engineering (spec. In Artificial Intelligence And Machine Learning)Srm Trp Engineering College · Bachelor of TechnologyIngeniería CivilUniversidad Valle del Grijalva · LicenciaturaIngeniería en Tecnologías de la Información y Comunicaciones en CompetenciasTecnológico de Monterrey · LicenciaturaTécnico Superior Universitario en VentasUniversidad Tecnológica de Aguascalientes · Técnico Superior UniversitarioChemical Engineering with ChemistryThe University of Huddersfield · Degree