Worker Characteristics Good ability to understand and use words when talking or writing Good ability to visualize what effects different chemical mixes will have Good ability to work with numbers Ability to coordinate movement of eyes and hands, such as when pouring chemicals Ability to move the hands easily, such as when stirring solutions Ability to solve problems and make decisions Ability to check written information, such as order forms, for errors Ability to move the fingers rapidly, such as when typing Ability to follow set procedures and make few errors Ability to gather information by looking at tables and graphs Willingness to supervise others and be in charge of planning projects Willingness to move between tasks that use different skills Chemical engineers should be creative and detail-oriented. They should be able to work without supervision. Occasionally need to tell the difference between colors Occasionally use fingers to make fine movements, such as typing Work Setting Most chemical engineers work at industrial plants in offices, laboratories, and on production lines. Some work outdoors part of the time and are exposed to the weather. They often work as part of a team and consult with other professionals.
Wages vary according to training and experience.
Entry level wages may be much lower. Pay varies with area of the country and the engineers level of education and experience. Full-time engineers generally receive benefits. Common benefits include health insurance, vacation, sick leave, and a retirement plan. There were 890 people employed as chemical engineers in Indiana in 1998.