Chemical Engineering Jobs in Canada: Salaries, Scope & More

Written by

Alisha Azeem

Fact check by

Divyansh Chaudhari

Updated on

Apr 01,2025

 Chemical Engineering Jobs in Canada: Opportunities, Salaries, and Insights for 2025 - TerraTern

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Chemical engineering jobs in Canada offer exciting career opportunities, competitive salaries, and a promising future in industries such as energy, pharmaceuticals, and environmental services. The Canadian commitment to innovation alongside sustainability has raised the demand for qualified chemical engineers in the national workforce.

 

Latest Facts and News:

  • Canada's chemical industry contributes over $50 billion annually to the GDP

  • Green chemistry initiatives are creating new job opportunities in sustainable technologies

  • The Canadian government is investing $2.3 billion in clean tech, boosting demand for chemical engineers

  • Artificial intelligence and machine learning are being integrated into chemical engineering processes

  • Canada's commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050 is driving innovation in the chemical sector

  • The chemical engineering job market is expected to grow by 4% annually through 2025

  • Salaries for chemical engineers in Canada have increased by an average of 3.5% in the past year

Hook: As Canada's chemical industry continues to evolve and expand, chemical engineers are at the forefront of innovation and sustainability. With competitive salaries and diverse opportunities, now is the perfect time to explore your career potential in the Great White North.

Overview of Chemical Engineering Jobs in Canada

ITwo people working in a laboratory- TerraTern

Growing technological advances and sustainability efforts have triggered an expansion of chemical engineering jobs in Canada. Several sections of the Canadian economy need engineering expertise, including traditional petroleum companies, developing clean energy fields, and biotechnology industries.

  • The clean energy production industry, along with green chemistry, expands at a steady pace.

  • AI and automation technologies have become more prevalent in industrial applications.

  • Manufacturing companies require more process optimization solutions at an increasing pace.

  • Expansion of the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors

Also Read: Java Developer Jobs in Canada: Latest Pay, Scope & More 

Key Industries for Chemical Engineers in Canada in 2025

Chemical engineering jobs in Canada work in diverse industries, each offering unique career opportunities.

  • Oil and Gas: Process optimization, safety improvements, and emissions reduction.

  • Pharmaceuticals: Drug formulation, production, and regulatory compliance.

  • Environmental Services: Waste management, pollution control, and sustainability initiatives.

  • Manufacturing: Chemical processing, materials development, and quality control.

Chemical Engineering Jobs in Canada Salary in 2025

Chemical engineering jobs in Canada salary differ because of their work experience and industry type, along with their geographical area and field of specialization. Here's a more detailed breakdown:

  1. Entry-Level Salaries ($60,000 - $80,000 per year)

The salary range for new graduates and personnel working less than three years falls between $60,000 and $80,000 annually. New engineers find their initial positions throughout manufacturing operations, environmental service organizations, and process engineering roles. The high cost of living in Toronto, alongside the professional skill requirements of Vancouver and Calgary, drives their entry-level engineers to receive higher beginning pay.

  1. Mid-Career Salaries ($85,000 - $110,000 per year)

Employee compensation for chemical engineers spans from $85,000 to $110,000 yearly when they possess five to ten years of experience. Workers focusing on the high-demand sectors involving oil and gas pha, pharmaceuticals, and sustainable energy tend to receive better salary rates. The research and development sector, process optimization, and quality control positions pay competitive salaries to their staff.

  1. Senior-Level Salaries ($120,000 - $150,000 per year)

With more than 15 years of chemical engineering experience and leadership experience, engineers can earn between $120,000 to $150,000 annually. Senior-level engineers find employment in top-level research, strategic planning, and managerial positions. The petrochemicals industry and biotechnology, and clean energy sectors provide their professionals with the most generous compensation packages.

Engineers Canada membership, professional certifications, advanced degrees, and membership commonly affect salary levels in the industry.

Current Factors Affecting Chemical Engineering Salaries in Canada

Multiple elements affect chemical engineering jobs in Canada salary:

  • Staff members who stay in the industry for extended periods will receive more significant compensation.

  • Location: Cities like Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver offer higher salaries.

  • The oil and gas sector outperforms when it comes to employee pay compared to environmental services.

  • AI-driven processes and sustainable engineering expertise allow professionals to reach higher earning levels.

Also Read: DevOps Engineer Jobs in Canada: Salaries, Visa & More 

Current Skills and Qualifications for Chemical Engineering Jobs in Canada 2025

a person holding a test tube- TerraTern

Chemical engineering jobs in Canada professionals must have proper expertise alongside suitable qualifications to find success in their industry.

Essential Skills

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities

  • Knowledge of process design and optimization

  • Proficiency in simulation software (Aspen HYSYS, MATLAB)

  • Understanding of safety regulations and compliance

  • Effective communication and teamwork skills

Qualifications

  • To practice chemical engineering jobs in Canada, candidates must possess a degree in chemical engineering.

  • A Master's Degree or PhD is the requirement for specialized roles in this field.

  • The P.Eng professional license must be acquired as a requirement to fill positions with higher responsibilities.

  • Certifications in AI or Green Chemistry (advantageous)

Chemical Engineering Jobs in Canada for Indian Professionals in 2025

Chemical engineering jobs in Canada for Indian are plenty because they find better career development opportunities, higher earnings, and solid employee skill requirements. To work in Canada as an Indian engineer, one must fulfil basic requirements such as credential recognition, work permits, and language proficiency. 

  1. Credential Recognition

Indian chemical engineers must obtain qualification assessment and recognition from Canadian authorities for employment in Canada. Engineers Canada is the national organization responsible for engineering regulation by assessing foreign degree programs to check Canadian conformity standards. The registration process with provincial regulatory bodies like these may be required along with the provincial registration for engineers:

  • Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) for Ontario

Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) for Alberta

The organization that regulates engineering practice and licensing in British Columbia

  • Engineers and Geoscientists BC.

To receive their Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation, some engineers must pass extra tests or work under a licensed engineer for a specific period.

  1. Work Permit Options

A legitimate work permit constitutes the legal requirement for Indian chemical engineers to work in Canada. There are two main pathways:

  • Canadian employers can access this program to hire skilled foreign workers when appropriate local candidates are absent. To begin working in Canada, Indian engineers need to secure employment from Canadian organizations, and these employers might be required to get a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

  • The Express Entry Program functions as a system that uses number scoring for skilled worker applications. Engineers qualify to apply for Permanent Residency (PR) through the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) with relevant qualifications, work experience, and strong language abilities.

  • Through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and other choices, Indian engineers can pursue Canadian job positions while obtaining Canadian residency status.

  1. Language Proficiency

  • The majority of Canadian work positions demand English or French skills, so Indian engineers need to pass an approved language proficiency assessment.
  • For admission to Canada, engineers must score 6.0 and 7.0 on the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) based on their selected work or immigration program.
  • Indian engineers seeking Express Entry as candidates must take the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program's standardized examination called CELPIP.
  • Engineers who wish to work in Quebec's French-speaking region must complete the French evaluation test TEF.
  • The quality of an applicant's language abilities influences when they will achieve their goals of finding employment and obtaining permanent residency in Canada through immigration opportunities.
  • Meeting eligibility criteria chemical engineering jobs in Canada for Indian to boost their job options while benefiting from the expanding demand for engineering professionals in the country.

Also Read: Jobs in Newfoundland Canada: Latest Salary, Scope & More 

Latest Success Stories of Indian Chemical Engineers in Canada

Numerous educated Indians have managed to build successful careers within Canada. Some key takeaways:

  • Working through professional associations and building networking connections leads to job acquisition.

  • Canadian safety standard certifications create better employment opportunities for applicants.

  • Candidates who take internships at the start of their career experience enhanced opportunities in the job market.

Current Top Chemical Engineering Job Roles in Canada

crop engineer examining machines- TerraTern

Chemical engineering jobs in Canada can take advantage of a wide range of work opportunities throughout multiple industries, which creates specialized roles that are highly in demand. Different parts of chemical engineering form the basis of each specialization, which examines process optimization or environmental sustainability. Some vital chemical engineering specialities include the following examination:

1. Process Engineer

  • Process engineers build and refine chemical production streams within the oil and gas sector, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing facilities. Their primary duties include:

  • Engineers aim to improve production processes and reduce waste release throughout chemical industries.

  • The creation of equipment and processes follows safety protocols and environmental requirements.

  • The engineer supports production enhancement efforts through teamwork with fellow engineers.

  • The duty of chemical plant operators includes resolving operational difficulties in their facilities.

  • Process engineers support productivity growth by keeping costs affordable and following all regulatory guidelines.

2. Environmental Engineer

  • The primary responsibility of environmental engineers involves sustainable practices alongside pollution control, which helps industries diminish their negative influence on the environment. Their responsibilities include:

  • Waste treatment and recycling solutions development serves as one of their responsibilities.

  • Safety assessments for environmental impacts and compliance with regulatory standards form part of their responsibilities.

  • Process design serves to minimize operational emissions as well as decrease the use of energy.

  • The development of sustainable alternatives follows an approach based on green chemistry principles.

  • The Canadian transition to net-zero emissions drives an increasing demand for environmental engineers operating in the chemical sector.

3. Quality Control Engineer

  • The role of quality control (QC) engineers is to maintain compliance with industry regulations and requirements for chemical products. These professionals serve different industries, from food production to pharmaceutical manufacturing through petrochemical applications. Their tasks involve:

  • Quality product maintenance requires conducting tests and inspections to ensure consistent quality levels.

  • Quality control engineers conduct material tests alongside product examinations for product consistency evaluations.

  • Quality Control professionals guarantee the adherence of production activities to health, safety, and environmental laws.

  • R&D teams benefit from the engineer's product formulation expertise through collaborative work.

  • The industry depends on QC engineers for product reliability maintenance, and they ensure both consumer safety and positive reputation outcomes.

4. Research and Development (R&D) Engineer

  • Researchers in R&D units develop fresh chemical products and advance current manufacturing operations while concentrating on innovative ideas. Developing and improving products within the biotechnology nan, technology, and pharmaceuticals sectors rely heavily on their work. Key responsibilities include:

  • Scientific laboratories require researchers to perform experiments that entail chemical reaction analysis.

  • Companies should create lasting production solutions with economical operational methods.

  • Teamwork with multiple engineering staff members helps launch new market products.

  • Technical investigators perform tests along with material refinement operations to improve product functionality.

  • Arising Canadian investments in clean technology and advanced materials have increased the demand for R&D engineers who lead chemical sector innovation.

  • Chemical engineers who focus on specific roles in Canada establish fulfilling careers that match their particular fields of expertise and personal interests while advancing industry progress and sustainability objectives.

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How to Land a Chemical Engineering Job in Canada in 2025?

colorful liquid in laboratory glassware- TerraTern

To secure chemical engineering jobs in Canada, you need a well-planned method. This guide contains steps that improve your job prospects as a chemical engineer in Canada.

1. Build a Strong Resume

The resume should demonstrate your qualifications along with your documented experiences. To make it stand out:

  • List all employment history together with completed internships and academic accomplishments from college.

  • Process optimization, environmental compliance, and chemical safety are among the key skills included in your resume.

  • Modify your resume by adjusting it to jobs that describe your needs while incorporating their stated keywords from the industry.

  • Mention certifications, software proficiency (such as Aspen HYSYS or MATLAB), and professional memberships.

2. Apply on Job Portals

Chemical engineers can use multiple Canadian job portal platforms to search for jobs.

  • Indeed.ca – One of the largest job search platforms.

  • LinkedIn Jobs – Helps with networking and job applications.

  • JobBank.gc.ca – The official government portal for employment opportunities.

  • Glassdoor.ca - Delivers company information together with salary information about each workplace.

  • Workopolis and Neuvoo – Other job aggregators with frequent postings.

  • Consistent application is essential, along with setting job alert notifications to receive information about new positions.

3. Network with Industry Professionals

Networking stands as the fundamental factor for Canadian job acquisition. You can:

  • Regularly participate in industry conferences and seminars organized by Engineers Canada and the Chemical Institute of Canada.

  • Professionals should join The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) and similar professional organizations.

  • LinkedIn users should connect with experts in their field to join professional conversations.

  • The hiring process benefits from contacting recruiters focused on engineering job placements.

4. Obtain Certifications

Obtaining extra certifications can enhance chances of job acquisition, primarily for individuals entering their careers in Canada. Consider:

  • Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) License – Required for many engineering roles.

  • Lean Six Sigma Certification – Beneficial for process improvement roles.

  • Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) Certification – Important for compliance in the chemical industry.

  • Project Management Professional (PMP) certification helps professionals secure organizational leadership roles.

5. Prepare for Interviews

After successfully obtaining an interview appointment, your preparation strategy becomes the most vital aspect of your success.

  • Understand all projects together with the products and objectives of the company.

  • You should practice technical and behavioural interview questions often asked during the job.

  • You should prepare examples from case studies, together with problem-solving solutions for discussion.

  • Become familiar with workplace norms and professional expectations that apply to Canadian organizations.

These steps provide a path for Canadian job market success, which leads to satisfying chemical engineering positions.

Also Read: Pharmacist Jobs in Canada: Latest Salary, Scope & More

Latest Visa Requirements for Chemical Engineering Jobs in Canada from India

The Canadian workforce seeks specific immigration documents from Indian chemical engineers who wish to enter the country. Learning about available visa choices aids process simplification.

Common Visa Options for Indian Chemical Engineers

1. Express Entry Program

  • The system operates through points to assess skilled workers who seek Canadian residence:

  • Candidates receive their ranking position through a system that evaluates their age, education level, work experience, and language abilities.

  • The eligibility determination happens through a system that generates Comprehensive Ranking System scores.

  • The system awards Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency positions to candidates with high scores.

  • Issues for permanent residency through Express Entry can be enhanced if you hold a Canadian job offer, yet this requirement does not apply to all candidates.

2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

  • Each Canadian province's Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) exists to draw skilled workers according to local employment requirements.

  • To participate in the immigration program, candidates need an employment offer from a Canadian firm in a participating province.

  • The provinces of Ontario, together with Alberta Bri, Tish Columbia, and Saskatchewan, often participate in the invitation process for chemical engineers.

  • Additional CRS points awarded to successful nominees strengthen their opportunities for becoming permanent residents.

3. Work Permit

  • Workers must obtain a work permit from the Canadian government before relocation when they already secured job acceptance in Canada.

  • Employer-Specific Work Permit – Tied to a specific job and employer.

  • The Open Work Permit functions as an employment authorization for any company, but Canadian immigration provides this permission only in exceptional circumstances.

  • A Labour Market Impact Assessment and additional documentation to demonstrate why selecting a foreign worker is necessary for employment.

  • The selection of Canada visa options depends on personal qualifications and employment opportunities due to the separate requirements for each option.

Future of Chemical Engineering in Canada

A man and a woman experimenting - TerraTern

The chemical engineering jobs in Canada labor market exhibits optimistic growth prospects because of technological improvement alongside sustained efforts for sustainability. Various essential market trends in the sector continue to generate fresh job positions that expand professional development options.

Major trends define the present and future development of chemical engineering in Canada.

1. Green Chemistry

  • The chemical engineering industry in Canada will prioritize sustainable manufacturing processes to reduce environmental damage.

  • Renewable energy, biodegradable materials production, and carbon creation technologies continue to develop.

  • The market needs more chemical engineers specializing in waste reduction and sustainable manufacturing.

2. Nanotechnology

  • Advancements in nanomaterials for drug delivery, electronics, and industrial coatings.

  • Expanding applications in pharmaceuticals, energy storage, and water purification.

  • The synthesis of nanomaterials and their process development requires numerous researchers and developers to address the accelerating market requirements.

3. AI and Automation

  • Integration of machine learning and AI-driven process optimization.

  • Chemical plants experience growth through smart manufacturing and predictive maintenance at the same time.

  • The industry requires more engineers with data analysis skills and digital simulation capabilities.

  • The chemical industry of Canada will experience continued development toward achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, thereby facilitating robust employment growth and emerging career opportunities for chemical engineers.

Also Read: Top 10 Most In-Demand Jobs in Canada: Latest Update

 

Conclusion

Working as a chemical engineering jobs in Canada provides attractive professional prospects through compensation rewards and active workplace conditions. Canadian economic development will rely heavily on the essential work done by chemical engineers because industries are becoming more advanced while sustainability initiatives grow stronger.

Contact TerraTern for more information on chemical engineering jobs in Canada.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average salary for chemical engineers in Canada?

The average salary ranges from $60,000 to $150,000 per year, depending on experience and industry.

Do I need a license to work as a chemical engineer in Canada?

Yes, a Professional Engineer (P.Eng) License is required for certain senior-level roles.

Which Canadian cities have the most chemical engineering job opportunities?

Major job markets include Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver, and Edmonton.

How can Indian chemical engineers improve their chances of getting hired in Canada?

They should gain Canadian certifications, network with professionals, and apply through Express Entry.

What are the top skills required for chemical engineering jobs in Canada in 2025?

Key skills include process optimization, AI integration, sustainability expertise, and regulatory knowledge.