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<p>Actually, I have to disagree - it is quite different. Sure, you might have to take a pay cut, and sure you might have to take another Bar exam. But hey, at least you can still get a job, or in the worst case scenario, start your own practice. The chemical engineer can’t even get a job in his profession simply because none are available wherever there isn’t manufacturing or chemical processing (that is to say, the vast majority of the country). </p>
<p>Now, don’t get me wrong. Certainly there are areas in the country where ChemE is an absolutely killer deal. For example, in the Texas Gulf Coast, where oil refineries stretch as far as the eye can see, where there is no state income tax, and where you can buy a house that literally costs less than your first year starting salary as a chemical process engineer*, you can do very very well for yourself. It’s a fantastic deal.</p>
<p>But the question is, what if you don’t want to live on the Gulf Coast, or other places with heavy chemical processing facilities? What are you going to do now? </p>
<p>*No joke. There are plenty of houses in Houston that cost only about $50k. And of course if you’re willing to live outside the city, you can pay even less.</p>