When the survey is finally closed next month, after several mail reminders, responses are expected to total well over 5,000. D.C. An annual survey of this type, dependent on voluntary responses, cannot yield precise data on the entire chemistry and chemical engineering graduating classes. But the question of possible biases from differences in the situations of those who respond and those who don't cannot be fully resolved. However, the survey provides at least a useful comparative indication of the salary and employment situation for those just starting out in the chemical and chemical engineering professions. Starting salaries Analyzing and comparing salaries and salary trends for new chemistry and chemical engineering graduates is a tricky business.
Care has to be taken to avoid comparing apples and oranges.
Medians are used to avoid the distortions that a few very high or very low salaries can bring to a mean. The median salary of the group is the salary that is equaled or exceeded by one-half of the group. Both individual starting salaries and salary medians vary sharply with a number of factors. Salaries themselves are related to degree level, amount of work experience prior to graduation, nature of employer, and nature of work. This is especially true for relatively small subsets, such as inexperienced M.S. chemists who are male.