Chemical Engineer vs. Process Engineer: Is There a Difference?

Chemical and process engineers are among the key professionals responsible for getting many of our most used products out of production and onto store shelves as quickly, safely, and efficiently as possible.

They’re the experts behind how products are made. But what sets chemical engineers apart from process engineers?

In this blog post, we’ll break down what each of these professionals does and explore the few differences between them.

Let’s get started.

What’s a Chemical Engineer?

Chemical engineers create and carry out processes that transform raw materials into products like gasoline, paper, plastics, industrial chemicals, detergents, medications, lotions, and more.

They play a crucial role in the development and optimization of processes that involve chemical reactions and the handling of different substances. Here’s some of what they do:

• Create methods for producing chemicals and materials at scale using their knowledge of chemistry, physics, and engineering principles
• Establish safety procedures for working with chemicals and equipment.
• Ensure that chemical processes comply with environmental regulations

What’s a Process Engineer?

A process engineer is someone who designs, implements, and optimizes production processes to improve safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Just like chemical engineers, process engineers work with chemicals, but they’re more focused on the overall operation and performance of the processes involved in manufacturing.

Key Differences Between Chemical and Process Engineers

Focus Area

Chemical engineers and process engineers are very similar, and many people and organizations refer to them interchangeably since they often work in the same environments, have similar skill sets and educational backgrounds, and collaborate on projects that involve the development of production processes. Still, there are distinctions.

The main difference between them is that chemical engineers focus on the design and optimization of processes that involve chemical reactions and the transformation of raw materials into products (e.g., fuels, chemicals), while process engineers focus on optimizing and improving entire production processes across many areas, including mechanical, electrical, and chemical systems, without being limited to chemical reactions alone.

Education

Chemical engineers typically hold a degree in chemical engineering and have strong foundations in physics and mathematics.

Process engineers can have a degree in various engineering disciplines like mechanical or industrial, though many process engineers have backgrounds in chemical engineering.

Compensation

According to PayScale, the average pay range for a chemical engineer working in the U.S. is between $63,000 and $129,000 per year as of 2024.

Process engineers make a similar amount. Based on experience level, location, industry, and other factors, process engineers in the U.S. can earn anywhere between $63,000 and $111,000 a year.

• Average annual pay for a chemical engineer: $83,319
• Average annual pay for a process engineer: $81,240

Hire Engineers with Insight Global

In summary, while both chemical engineers and process engineers share a common goal of designed and improving production processes, their roles, skills, and educational backgrounds can sometimes differ.

If you’re looking to hire a chemical engineer, process engineer, or another type of engineering professional, Insight Global is here to help you find the best candidates for your team. Contact us today to discover how we can support your hiring needs.