The chemical industry in Germany is at the forefront in Europe, giving chemical engineers many opportunities for their careers. With competitive salaries reaching up to €115,000 for senior positions and a growing demand for qualified professionals, chemical engineering jobs in Germany present lucrative opportunities for both experienced engineers and fresh graduates in 2025.
Because of Germany’s strong industry and the fact that many workers are nearing retirement, there is a big need for chemical engineers from abroad. All the information you need about a chemical engineering job in Germany, like earnings, openings, and the application process, is covered in this guide.
Latest Chemical Engineering Jobs in Germany 2025: Latest Opportunities
The chemical engineering jobs market in Germany remains robust in 2025, with over 1,000 positions currently available across the country. Since it is home to the biggest chemical industry, Germany still brings talented experts from across the globe. While the main activity in this industry is in the Ruhrpott, Germany has many other places for opportunities.
Because over 450,000 people work in chemical engineering, including process engineering, manufacturing, and project management, this industry plays a key role in Germany’s economy. Due to its powerful industrial base and an ageing population, Germany is seeking more highly skilled engineers from other countries.
In Germany, chemical engineers are mainly used in the following industries:
- The fields of pharmaceutical and biotechnology
- Petrochemical
- Automotive
- Environmental technology
- Polymer manufacturing
- Food processing
- Paper industry
- Cosmetics
The number of chemical engineering jobs in Germany will likely increase, as there are far fewer skilled workers than required across the country by 2030.
What are the Salaries for Professional Chemical Engineers in Germany in 2025?
Chemical engineers in Germany earn high salaries, especially those working in the pharmaceutical, vehicle construction, and chemical sectors. By January 2025, the typical gross salary for chemical engineers is estimated to be €78,000, yet this largely depends on someone’s work experience, environment, and field.
Chemical Engineers’ Salaries Vary by Experience in 2025
| Position | Gross Annual Salary (Median in euros) |
| Entry-level salary | 61,170 |
| Specialised and project engineer | 73,225 |
| Project manager/leader | 84,150 |
| Group/team leader | 95,407 |
| Division head | 115,308 |
The chemical engineering job salary in Germany shows clear progression with experience and responsibility. Someone in a junior position may earn as much as €61,170 a year, and senior managers might pocket up to €115,000 or even more annually.
Salaries in the Federal State System and according to Experience (2025)
The salary for a chemical engineer in Germany is often affected by their location. Compensation in Hesse is the highest, while the eastern state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania usually pays the least.
| Federal State | Salary (0-5 years experience) | Salary (>10 years experience) |
| Hesse | 72,949 € | 113,041 € |
| Baden-Württemberg | 68,547 € | 106,219 € |
| Bavaria | 66,660 € | 103,296 € |
| Hamburg | 66,660 € | 103,296 € |
| North Rhine-Westphalia | 63,516 € | 98,423 € |
| Bremen | 61,629 € | 95,500 € |
| Rhineland-Palatinate | 61,629 € | 95,500 € |
| Berlin | 60,372 € | 93,551 € |
| Saarland | 59,743 € | 92,577 € |
| Schleswig-Holstein | 58,485 € | 90,628 € |
| Lower Saxony | 57,227 € | 88,679 € |
| Brandenburg | 53,454 € | 82,832 € |
| Thuringia | 52,825 € | 81,857 € |
| Saxony | 52,196 € | 80,883 € |
| Saxony-Anhalt | 51,567 € | 79,908 € |
| Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania | 50,310 € | 77,959 € |
This proves that considering the location of a job can be very important. Chemical engineers in the western and southern parts of Germany receive higher salaries than those in the eastern regions.
Entry-Level Chemical Engineering Jobs in Germany in 2025
Germany provides plenty of opportunities for those just starting their careers. Entry-level chemical engineering jobs in Germany typically start with salaries around €35,000 to €61,170, depending on the company and location.
Chemical Engineering Jobs in Germany for Freshers (2025)
If you’re looking for chemical engineering jobs in Germany for freshers, you’ll find many entry points into the industry:
Internships: Getting an internship with a company can sometimes lead to a long-term job there. They provide an opportunity for you and employers to find out if you are a suitable fit for each other.
Graduate Programs: Large chemical companies offer graduate programs that aim to help new graduates gain knowledge in various company divisions.
Research Assistants: A research position at a university or institute is something many recent graduates can consider, as it can open doors to either further study or a career in a related field.
Trainee Programs: There are companies that run trainee programs that involve moving you through various departments to learn about all the different aspects of chemical engineering.
There Are Many Companies Hiring Entry-Level Chemical Engineers In 2025
Many prestigious companies offer entry-level chemical engineering jobs in Germany. Among the biggest employers are:
| Company | Office Locations | Salary Range |
| BASF | The organisation has 7 offices. | 95,000–139,000 € |
| Procter & Gamble | The company has offices in 9 different locations. | 57,000–87,000 € |
| Airbus | The company has 6 offices around the country. | 58,490 € |
| Sartorius | The company operates from 14 different locations. | 49,000–75,000 € |
| Siemens | The company has 22 offices. | 70,000–78,000 € |
You can expect excellent opportunities for training and career advancement, as well as good salaries, if you work at these companies.
Top Cities for Chemical Engineering Jobs in Germany 2025
Some cities in Germany have more chemical engineering jobs and higher wages than others. According to the latest statistics, the best cities for chemical engineers are:
Ludwigshafen: Hosts BASF, the main chemical company in the world, with numerous openings in many departments.
Berlin: Startups and well-established companies in Berlin help boost the growth of sustainable chemical technologies in the city.
Frankfurt: Chemical and pharmaceutical companies are important here, and many international businesses choose to have their German headquarters here.
Munich: In Munich, many high-tech companies and well-paid jobs in chemical engineering attract specialists from around the world.
Cologne: There are various major companies in Cologne that operate chemical manufacturing plants.
Düsseldorf: Düsseldorf is a city where many international chemical companies and businesses are located.
Nuremberg: The chemical engineering field is expanding as more investment is made in research and development.
Hamburg: Hamburg is an important port city that also has chemical production facilities and manages logistic activities.
Stuttgart: In Stuttgart, researchers are known for their work in automotive-related chemistry, especially with materials and coatings.
Hanover: In Hanover, an assortment of industries offers opportunities in chemical engineering.
Latest Eligibility Requirements for Chemical Engineering Jobs in Germany 2025
Because German chemical and engineering technology is so advanced, jobs in chemical engineering have specific entry requirements.
Educational Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering is required.
- Various job postings may allow a technical training diploma instead of a degree.
- Advanced studies and research often require a master’s or a PhD.
- Degrees from other countries have to be recognised in Germany (you may have to obtain a verification of your degree).
Technical Skills
- Improving and planning the production process
- Protecting employees and the environment
- The use of simulation and modelling.
- Understanding the right software applications
- Being familiar with reactions and related processes
- The ability to manage a project.
- Problem-solving abilities
Language Requirements
- Knowing German, along with English, increases the chances of getting hired by multinational firms
- Most customer service jobs require knowledge of German.
- College degree programs for this program require at least A1/A2 knowledge of German.
- Those seeking higher-level jobs may need to achieve B1/B2 proficiency.
How to Apply for Chemical Engineering Jobs in Germany in 2025
It takes a well-planned approach to get a job in chemical engineering in Germany. Let me explain the best way to go about it:
Study And Analyse The Current Market
Learn about the job opportunities in German chemical engineering areas before you search for a job. Investigate chemical engineering work in industries such as pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, the automotive sector, and environmental technology.
Find areas in the country that have a large number of chemical engineering companies and discover the skills and experience employers in your area expect their staff to have.
Prepare The Documents That Are Required For Your Application
- Highlight your studies, employment, and foreign language skills in your German-style CV/resume.
- Highlight how you will design, improve, and ensure the safety and sustainability of the process.
- Consider including a professional photo and following other German conventions when creating your resume.
- Prepare a well-written cover letter that details your interest in this job and lists your skills that are a good match.
- Get copies of your academic certificates and references.
Make Use Of Job Search Platforms
Use job sites that specialise in jobs in Germany.
- LinkedIn Jobs
- StepStone
- Indeed Germany
- The German professional network is called XING.
- The site EnglishJobs.de covers positions specifically in English.
- EuroEngineerJobs
- Academics.com offers options for finding research and academic posts.
Subscribe for job notifications on these websites for job postings that fit your requirements.
Network Effectively
- Become a member of chemical engineering-related professional groups.
- Go to conferences and job fairs in your industry.
- Join the networks of professionals who work in the companies you want to connect with on LinkedIn.
- Contact graduates from your university who now work in Germany.
- Take part in discussions with others in online forums dedicated to chemical engineering.
Connecting with others in your field can sometimes result in finding a job that isn’t made public, which can give you a better chance at getting hired.
Demand for Specialists in Chemical Engineering in Germany 2025
There are a number of branches in chemical engineering in Germany, and their demand and possible earnings vary.
Process Engineering
There are 60-70% more process engineering jobs than in the field, which makes it the most wanted specialisation in Germany. It requires designing, carrying out, and optimising chemical processes used in manufacturing.
Process engineers seek to make chemical production more efficient, less expensive, and safer. Process simulation, plant designing, and optimisation are considered important skills in this engineering area.
Green Chemistry and Sustainability
Since Germany places importance on protecting the environment and sustainability, more chemical engineers who specialise in green chemistry, renewable resources, and sustainable methods are in demand.
The focus lies in making chemical methods more environmentally safe, less wasteful, and creating environmentally friendly alterations of old chemical products. In this field, it helps to understand life cycle assessment and circular economy ideas.
Pharmaceutical Engineering
In Germany, the pharmaceutical industry is strong and presents many opportunities for chemical engineers who focus on creating and producing drugs.
They are involved in developing methods to produce drugs, complying with regulations, and inventing new drug formulas. Due to the importance of pharmaceutical products, individuals in this field may receive better-than-average salaries.
Polymer Engineering
Manufacturing and developing advanced polymers and plastics is a strong focus for many companies in Germany, due to its tradition in polymer science and engineering.
Polymer engineers work on producing polymers more efficiently, creating new materials with specific features, and introducing polymers in many industries. Developing an understanding of polymer chemistry, material science, and the methods used to process materials is necessary in this area.
Biotechnology
Biotechnology in Germany is developing, especially in biopharmaceuticals, industrial enzymes, and biofuels.
In biotechnology, chemical engineers use engineering skills to design processes for the production of biological products and develop new ways to use biotechnology. Many times, a person in this specialisation must be familiar with both chemical engineering and biological sciences.
Offering The Right Balance Between Work And Life, As Well As Benefits In 2025
One great benefit of working as a chemical engineer in Germany is enjoying an excellent balance between work and personal life, as well as having numerous benefits available.
Standard 38-40 hour work week, longer hours than Germany, so work-life balance is easier to maintain.
Generous vacation allowance: A good amount of vacation, A regular 25-30 days of paid leave, and close to 13 public holidays in most federal states.
Strong protection for employees: Labour laws in Germany ensure that workers receive notice and are given severance packages.
Best healthcare: The German healthcare system is known for its excellent coverage for all employees.
Pension schemes: Companies contribute part of an employee’s salary to help them save for retirement.
Professional development opportunities: Most companies help their employees gain additional knowledge and skills.
Family-friendly rules for companies: This includes time off for parents, help with childcare, and flexible schedules for working parents.
As a result, Germany becomes a desirable place for chemical engineers to work and enjoy a high standard of living.
Words Of Wisdom From Chemical Engineers In Germany 2025
For those curious about choosing chemical engineering as a career in Germany, here are quotes from experts in the field.
I didn’t rely on one specific aspect of chemical engineering for my work as an astronaut, but rather on the overall engineering studies I did. Moreover, it was a demanding and challenging subject to study. Therefore, I grew stronger and learned how to be resourceful. – Leroy Chiao
I completed a course in chemical engineering. School was easy for me, but because of the depression, my scholarship expired, and I had to find a job to support my family. – Jack Steinberger
The arts of tanning and dyeing were practised long ago, before their scientific rules were understood, and Chemical Engineering began even earlier without a clear understanding of the rules. William H. Walker is my father.
They show how chemical engineering is flexible, demands hard work, and is practical, which German industry highly appreciates.
Conclusion
Chemical engineering jobs in Germany offer excellent opportunities for both experienced professionals and fresh graduates in 2025. With salaries for entry-level jobs as high as €35,000 and those for top-level roles reaching €115,000, many chemical engineers around the world are still drawn to Germany.
Because China is industrial and also has an ageing workforce, it becomes easier for skilled engineers to get new career opportunities. Regardless of where you start, the chemical industry in Germany supports a good career journey.
This guide, with its suggestions on salary, location, and application, can prepare you for success in getting hired in Germany. Germany is a great choice for chemical engineers because it offers a range of job opportunities, a good work-life balance, and excellent benefits for all professionals.
FAQs About Chemical Engineering Jobs in Germany
Q1: Knowing German is not a prerequisite for working as a chemical engineer in Germany.
Ans. While English may be common for multinational companies, speaking German gives you a better chance at getting a job in Germany. When working in customer-oriented jobs, one needs to speak German. It is best to start learning German at the A1 level.
Q2: What is the typical salary increase given to chemical engineers in Germany?
Ans. The salary of chemical engineers in Germany grows as they gain more experience. People hired as entry-level workers earn about €61,170, and with more than 10 years of experience, they can make over €100,000.
Q3: Where do chemical engineers in Germany receive the highest wages?
Ans. Most chemical engineers in Germany find that the pharmaceutical, automotive, and specialised chemical industries provide the highest pay.
Q4: How difficult is it for international students to find chemical engineering jobs in Germany after graduation?
Ans. International students who graduate from German universities have a bright future, especially since Germany needs more qualified engineers. They can use a post-study work visa to search for a job in the UK after completing their studies.
Q5: What are the future prospects for chemical engineering jobs in Germany?
Ans. The situation appears promising since there is a shortage of workers with particular skills in Germany. Green chemistry, digitalisation, and working on process improvements provide new opportunities for chemical engineers.
