04 July 2012
UK chemical engineers report six percent pay increase
UK chemical engineers have reported modest pay increases across the board in new data published this week by IChemE.
IChemE’s 2012 salary survey, which gathered data from more than 2,500 chemical engineers, reveals that overall trends in chemical engineering pay are positive, as salaries continue to rise.
The median salary for chemical engineers participating in the survey was £53,000/y compared to £50,000/y in 2010. The best paid sectors were unchanged with those working in the oil and gas production and oil refining sectors reporting the highest median salaries of £72,000/y (+15%) and £63,800/y (+12%), respectively. Chemical engineers working in the petrochemicals sector also reported a 10% median pay increase from £55,000/y to £60,400/y.
The highest median salaries can be found in London (£62,000/y) closely followed by the South East (£60,725/y) and South Central (£59,600/y). Chartered Chemical Engineers also reported significantly higher salaries than non-chartered counterparts. The survey results reveal that Chartered Chemical Engineers continue to earn more than non-chartered equivalents at almost every stage of their career. A chartered professional in their thirties out earns a non-chartered counterpart of the same age by around £10,000/y.
New entrants to the field area also well rewarded. Graduate salaries remain some of the most competitive across all disciplines in the UK, with a typical starting salary of £28,000/y. The number of students studying chemical engineering in the UK has doubled over the last decade and there are now a record number of students studying the subject with another bumper intake expected this September.
IChemE ceo David Brown says that the results are largely positive: “Chemical engineering presents an excellent career opportunity across all of the sectors and the results show that chemical engineers still command real earning power. We’ve always said that becoming a Chartered Chemical Engineer is evidence of both competence and commitment to the profession. This data shows that employers also continue to recognise the value of chartered status.”
Editor’s notes
The IChemE 2012 Salary Survey was conducted in January 2012 and incorporates salary data gathered from 2654 IChemE members in the UK and Ireland. The survey is conducted annually and is the largest of its kind in the chemical engineering profession.
For further media information, interviews or supporting photography, please contact:
Matt Stalker, communications manager, IChemE
tel: +44 (0)1788 534455 / +44 (0)7802 834459
email: mstalker@icheme.org
Samantha Tyson, communications officer, IChemE
tel: +44 (0)1788 534454
email: styson@icheme.org
Trish Dwyer, communications officer, IChemE
tel:+61 (0)3 9642 4494
email: tdwyer@icheme.org
About chemical engineers
Chemical, biochemical and process engineering is the application of science, maths and economics to the process of turning raw materials into everyday products. Professional chemical engineers design, construct and manage process operations all over the world. Pharmaceuticals, food and drink, synthetic fibres and clean drinking water are just some of the products where chemical engineering plays a central role.
About IChemE
IChemE (Institution of Chemical Engineers) is the hub for chemical, biochemical and process engineering professionals worldwide. With a growing global membership of over 35,000, the Institution is at the heart of the process community, promoting competence and a commitment to best practice, advancing the discipline for the benefit of society, encouraging young people in science and engineering and supporting the professional development of its members. For more information, visit www.icheme.org