Comparing Process Engineers to Chemical Engineers
Process engineers can work within the field of chemical engineering or may assume roles related to mechanical engineering or other engineering fields. Chemical engineers prioritize the way that products are made and create production systems. The educational requirements for these occupations are similar and chemical and process engineers earn comparable salaries.
| Job Title | Educational Requirements | Median Salary (2022)* | Job Outlook (2020-2030)** |
|---|---|---|---|
| Process Engineers | Bachelor's degree | $76,099 | 9% (chemical engineers) |
| Chemical Engineers | Bachelor's degree | $77,106 | 9% |
Sources: *PayScale; **U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Responsibilities of Process Engineers vs. Chemical Engineers
Process engineers and chemical engineers are engineering professionals who typically focus more on how products are made. Process engineers who work in the chemical engineering field specifically concentrate on methods of producing chemicals, such as oxidation. Process engineers can also work in other fields and specialize in determining the best way to produce specific products. Chemical engineers help determine how to safely use chemicals to produce or process goods and are responsible for ensuring that safety standards are in place and are followed. When there are specific issues with the method of production that's in place they will assess the issues and determine how to resolve them by changing production strategies by doing things such as moving equipment or introducing new equipment.
Process Engineers
Process engineers can work in a number of engineering fields, so the specific training requirements may vary based on their employer. Strong computer skills are consistently required, as well as training on computer design software. While some roles may favor those who have a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, other process engineering positions may require a bachelor's degree in a field such as mechanical engineering. Process engineers may be responsible for specializing in producing chemicals by oxidation while others may concentrate on operational procedures and determining how to improve production methods.
Job responsibilities of a process engineer include:
- Developing design plans
- Evaluating production methods
- Identifying ways to improve production
- Gathering and analyzing data
- Producing materials such as plastic
Chemical Engineers
Chemical engineers are involved with using chemicals to process or produce products. There are many areas of specialization that chemical engineers can consider pursuing, such as biological engineering. It's most common for these professionals to be employed by manufacturing companies or to work in scientific research. Chemical engineers may also be required to travel as part of their duties; the amount of travel may vary based on their employer. With a Professional Engineer (PE) license and experience it's possible for chemical engineers to advance to roles in sales or management.
Job responsibilities of a chemical engineer include:
- Evaluating existing production methods
- Researching ways to improve production
- Developing design plans for equipment used to process goods
- Implementing safety procedures
- Preparing budgets
Related Careers
Other options for those considering a career as a process engineer or chemical engineer include becoming a materials engineer or an industrial engineer. Some duties are comparable and the training and skills required for these professions are similar to the requirements for process and chemical engineers.