Chemical Engineering Salary in South East
The South East consistently ranks as the UK's second-highest paying region, benefiting from proximity to London, strong transport links and a concentration of technology, pharmaceutical and financial services employers along corridors such as the M4 and M3.
Housing costs are above the national average, particularly in commuter towns. Some employers offer London-adjacent salary packages.
Salary Trajectory
| Stage | Yrs Exp | P25 | Median | P75 | P90 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate Chemical Engineer | 0+ | £29,680 | £33,920 | £38,160 | £42,400 |
| Chemical Engineer | 3+ | £37,100 | £44,520 | £53,000 | £59,360 |
| Senior Chemical Engineer (Chartered) | 6+ | £50,880 | £59,360 | £68,900 | £78,440 |
| Principal Engineer / Technical Lead | 10+ | £63,600 | £76,320 | £90,100 | £100,700 |
| Engineering Director | 16+ | £82,680 | £100,700 | £121,900 | £143,100 |
See the interactive salary trajectory
Visualise your progression with our interactive chart tool
How South East Compares
Mid-career Chemical Engineering median salary by region
Compare with Other Careers in South East
Chemical Engineering in Other Regions
Discover Which Career Suits You
Answer a few questions and find your ideal career path
Unlock Full Percentile Breakdowns
PDF export, detailed analysis, and more with CareerMetrics Pro
Based on ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) via NOMIS. Regional salary adjustments derived from ONS regional pay differentials. Career progression timelines based on industry research. All figures are gross annual pay estimates for full-time workers.