Chemical engineering
Did you know
$135,382
Average salary
(Genium360, Remuneration of engineering professionals in Quebec – Investigation report 2025-2026)
4 years
Duration of the bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering
Top 15
Among the 15 university-level professions with the best job prospects
A mistake that led to… Crocs
While working on cushions and pillows for spas, Quebec chemical engineers accidentally discovered an antimicrobial, non-slip, anti-perspirant plastic material. It eventually led to the design of Crocs sandals.
The paper industry hires nearly one third of Quebec’s chemical engineering graduates.
Quebec is a major player in wood fibre processing and the pulp and paper sector.
One of the 15 university-level professions with the best future prospects
Chemical engineering is among the professions with strong long-term job prospects.
What you will actually do
As a chemical engineer, you’ll transform raw materials and optimize industrial processes to create safer, cleaner, and more efficient solutions.
- Manage research projects aimed at developing chemical and mechanical processes that separate components from raw materials, purify them, and improve their performance.
- Work with patent agents to protect new products and processes.
- Experiment with the physical and chemical aspects of processes to select suitable substances for production and appropriate materials for facilities.
- Use simulation and calculation tools to evaluate the equipment and instruments required for chemical processes.
- Establish energy and materials balances and help reduce environmental impacts.
Source: REPÈRES, the official school and career information website (in French)
Where do you see yourself?
Chemical engineers work in a wide range of industries, from manufacturing to environmental services.
- Non-ferrous metal production and processing companies (excluding aluminum)
- Agri-food industry
- Chemical industry
- Pulp and paper industry
- Plastics industry
- Pharmaceutical and drug industry
- Refined petroleum product industry
- Steel industry
- Environmental consulting services
- Testing and analytical laboratory services
Where to study
Universities offering the program
ENGINEERING TO THE RESCUE
Reduce major-accident risk by 1,000%? A chemical engineering feat.
Chemical engineering students helped replace liquefied chlorine with a safer solution at the CEZinc plant in Valleyfield. Result: a 1,000% reduction in major-accident risk—along with lower operating costs.
20% to 40% less
chemicals in water
FROM RAW MATERIALS TO BIG INVENTIONS
A cellulose fibre that helps decontaminate water.
A Quebec research team developed a cellulose-fibre technology that treats water more efficiently. The result: 20% to 40% fewer chemicals used—while removing even more contaminants.
Engineering fields you might also like
Want to explore other options?
Play Mission Génie to discover the type of engineering that suits you!
An interactive game to explore the different types of engineering and find the one that best matches your interests and talents.
