by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 5 U.S. colleges awarded 67 degrees and certificates in Chemical Engineering Technology. Associate degrees are the most popular award, at 58% of graduates. Graduates earn a median $59,570 one year after completing, rising to $77,765 after four years.
Studying Chemical Engineering Technology covers Chemical Engineering Technology/technician. A Program That Prepares Individuals To Apply Basic Engineering Principles And Technical Skills In Support Of Engineers And Other Professionals Engaged In The Production And Utilization Of Chemicals On An Industrial Scale. Includes Instruction In Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Industrial Processes, Instrumental Analysis, Sampling And Monitoring, And Chemical And Environmental Safety.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings. Data as of: July 2026.
In the U.S., chemical engineering technology is a widely-pursued major, with 67 degrees awarded annually. 5 colleges award chemical engineering technology degrees, an average of 13 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 43.
By level, the 67 awards include 13 certificates, 39 associate degrees and 15 master’s degrees.
Women earned 25% of chemical engineering technology degrees and certificates in the latest year (17 of 67). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (50) and Asian (6).
The most common chemical engineering technology credential is the associate degree: 39 of the 67 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to chemical engineering technology call most for Reading Comprehension, Quality Control Analysis and Active Listening, and for knowledge of Engineering and Technology, Computers and Electronics and Mathematics, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Near Vision, Problem Sensitivity and Written Comprehension.
Top skills, rated 0–5:
Top knowledge areas, rated 0–5:
How long a chemical engineering technology degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 13 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 39 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 15 |
High school diploma or equivalent is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to chemical engineering technology, at 47.2%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma or equivalent | 47.2% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 25.4% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 9.2% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 6.9% |
| Some college courses | 6.8% |
| Master’s degree | 2.3% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 2.2% |
Source: O*NET Online.
3 occupations are related to Chemical Engineering Technology, with an average median salary of $95,412; the strongest outlook belongs to Non-Destructive Testing Specialists, at 3.0% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Test Technician (Test Tech), Laser Specialist, Photonics Engineering Technologist and Mobile Technician (Mobile Tech).
The occupation related to chemical engineering technology with the most projected jobs is Photonics Technicians, at 306,018.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Photonics Technicians | 306,018 | 1.6% |
| Non-Destructive Testing Specialists | 295,668 | 3.0% |
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other | 169,705 | 2.0% |
Chemical Engineering Technology graduates earn a median $59,570 one year after completing their program, $77,765 after four years and $73,754 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $59,570 |
| 4 years | $77,765 |
| 5 years | $73,754 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to chemical engineering technology is Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other, with a median salary of $121,642.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other | $121,642 |
| Photonics Technicians | $106,964 |
| Non-Destructive Testing Specialists | $57,631 |
Chemical Engineering Technology has 8 similar majors in the Engineering Technologies field, which together award 12,825 degrees a year; the largest are Manufacturing Engineering Technology/Technician (5,260), Industrial Technology/Technician (4,214) and Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians, Other (2,286). Browse all Engineering Technologies majors or the full list of college majors.
More about our data sources and methodologies.