Home > Salary > New Zealand > Chemical Engineer
A chemical engineer is a professional who applies principles of chemistry, physics, biology, and mathematics to design, develop, and optimize processes involving chemicals, materials, and energy. They work in various industries such as pharmaceuticals, oil and gas, food and beverage, and environmental engineering. Chemical engineers are responsible for designing and operating chemical plants, ensuring the safety and efficiency of production processes, and developing new products and technologies.
Their job involves conducting research, analyzing data, and performing experiments to improve existing processes or develop new ones. They also collaborate with other engineers and scientists to solve complex problems and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. Additionally, chemical engineers may be involved in quality control, troubleshooting, and managing projects.
Estimated Yearly Salary: 147,306 NZD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 12,276 NZD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,833 NZD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 71 NZD per hour
Values are pre-tax
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Estimated Monthly Salary: 11,885 NZD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,743 NZD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 69 NZD per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-05
Estimated Yearly Salary: 73,623 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 6,135 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,416 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 35 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
3 %
Data confidence is - relatively high
Data fetched from dabase: 14 submissions.
Results are anonymized. Amounts indicated are pre-tax, meaning no deductionts yet have been made to the basic salary. Salaries where there are less than 3 entries are not displayed.
Want to check how your salary compares? Submit your own salary here
Estimated Yearly Salary: 147,306 NZD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 12,276 NZD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,833 NZD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 71 NZD per hour
By working as Chemical Engineer a person can save up to 4,197 USD per month or 50,362 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.
NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.
For more information regarding expenses in New Zealand, see costs of living in New Zealand.
Estimated Yearly Salary for Chemical Engineer
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Data as of 2025
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Chemical Engineer salary in New Zealand
Average Yearly Salary of Chemical Engineer in New Zealand is approximately 147,306 NZD (73,623 USD). Data is for 2025 and indicates a pre-tax value. The salary itself depends on multiple factors such as seniority, job performance, certifications, experience or any other bonuses. The value indicated is an average amount based on records we have in database. Real values may vary. The data is for orientational purposes.
What does Chemical Engineer do?

Skills: Chemical Engineer, Process Optimization, Chemical Plant Design, Research and Development, Environmental Engineering, Project Management
Job industry: Healthcare
Job industry: Healthcare
How much does Chemical Engineer make?
Salary details
How much does Chemical Engineer make?Estimated Yearly Salary: 147,306 NZD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 12,276 NZD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,833 NZD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 71 NZD per hour
Comparing salary to last year:
Estimated Yearly Salary: 142,618 NZDEstimated Monthly Salary: 11,885 NZD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,743 NZD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 69 NZD per hour
Chemical Engineer estimated salary in USD
For easier comparison here is an estimated salary in USD:Estimated Yearly Salary: 73,623 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 6,135 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,416 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 35 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
About these results
Data confidence is - relatively high Data fetched from dabase: 14 submissions.
Results are anonymized. Amounts indicated are pre-tax, meaning no deductionts yet have been made to the basic salary. Salaries where there are less than 3 entries are not displayed.
Want to check how your salary compares? Submit your own salary here
Compare salary to other countries
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Country:
Salary comparison to National average
New Zealand, a beautiful island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, is known for its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and vibrant Maori culture. With a population of around 5 million people, it is sparsely populated compared to its size. The country covers an area of approximately 268,000 square kilometers and consists of two main islands, the North Island and the South Island, along with numerous smaller islands.
Estimated national average yearly salary is 80,807 NZD (48,460 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Chemical Engineer job salary compared to average salary in New Zealand.
Comparison shows that a person working as Chemical Engineer in New Zealand earns on average:
1.82 times the average salary (or 182% of average salary).
Estimated national average yearly salary is 80,807 NZD (48,460 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Chemical Engineer job salary compared to average salary in New Zealand.
Comparison shows that a person working as Chemical Engineer in New Zealand earns on average:
1.82 times the average salary (or 182% of average salary).
Is Chemical Engineer a well paid job?
Yes, our data shows that Chemical Engineer is a well paid job. With years and experience the salary might increase even further, resulting in higher satisfaction.What is considered a high salary for Chemical Engineer?
High salary for Chemical Engineer would be somewhere between 162,037 NZD and 213,594 NZD. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.How much can you save working as Chemical Engineer in New Zealand?
Living in New Zealand the approximate monthly expenses are: 1,938 USD. This amount covers basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare and education costs for a single person. No luxury expenses such as traveling, leisure, hobbies are included in the estimation.Estimated Yearly Salary: 147,306 NZD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 12,276 NZD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,833 NZD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 71 NZD per hour
By working as Chemical Engineer a person can save up to 4,197 USD per month or 50,362 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.
NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.
For more information regarding expenses in New Zealand, see costs of living in New Zealand.
Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries
Country's neighbours are: Australia, Fiji, New Caledonia, Tonga, Samoa. To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).Estimated Yearly Salary for Chemical Engineer
Salary increase per years of experience
Based on data available the salary increase per years of experience is as following- 0 years (beginner) equals base salary
- 1 to 5 years of experience yields
- 6 to 10 years of experience yields
- 11 to 15 years of experience yields
- 16 to 25 years of experience yields
- more than 25 years of experience yields
Top 10 highest salaries in New Zealand
(1,008,623 NZD per year, pre-tax.)
2. Cardiologist
(843,890 NZD per year, pre-tax.)
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(786,864 NZD per year, pre-tax.)
5. Neurosurgeon
(786,039 NZD per year, pre-tax.)
(769,764 NZD per year, pre-tax.)
7. Oncologist
(768,008 NZD per year, pre-tax.)
(767,682 NZD per year, pre-tax.)
(767,202 NZD per year, pre-tax.)
(766,991 NZD per year, pre-tax.)
Random salary:
Dsp software engineer (110,672 NZD per year, pre-tax.)
Returns manager (46,868 NZD per year, pre-tax.)
Water engineer (100,676 NZD per year, pre-tax.)
Baker (49,652 NZD per year, pre-tax.)
Grant writer (110,924 NZD per year, pre-tax.)
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