Aerospace Engineers vs Chemical Engineers: Salary Comparison

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024).

National Salary Overview

Aerospace Engineers

Median Salary
$121,876
Average (Mean)
$125,170
Employed Nationwide
62,910
VS

Chemical Engineers

Median Salary
$110,377
Average (Mean)
$114,871
Employed Nationwide
19,740
Aerospace Engineers earns $11,499 more (10.4%)

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $121,876 $110,377
Average (Mean) Salary $125,170 $114,871
Total Employment 62,910 19,740
States with Higher Pay 23 10

Salary by State: Aerospace Engineers vs Chemical Engineers

Showing 33 states where both occupations have BLS data. Aerospace Engineers pays more in 23 states; Chemical Engineers pays more in 10.

State Aerospace Engineers Chemical Engineers Difference
Alabama $130,870
$101,120
+$29,750
Arizona $128,230
$133,550
$-5,320
California $130,720
$110,920
+$19,800
Colorado $135,280
$107,450
+$27,830
Connecticut $103,440
$94,240
+$9,200
Delaware $126,030
$130,280
$-4,250
Florida $121,470
$104,090
+$17,380
Georgia $131,490
$119,650
+$11,840
Illinois $116,520
$107,080
+$9,440
Indiana $123,090
$105,810
+$17,280
Kansas $107,550
$96,830
+$10,720
Kentucky $107,730
$112,210
$-4,480
Louisiana $109,510
$123,420
$-13,910
Maryland $145,600
$122,450
+$23,150
Massachusetts $136,860
$106,810
+$30,050
Michigan $108,100
$105,040
+$3,060
Minnesota $140,320
$103,490
+$36,830
Mississippi $90,420
$97,190
$-6,770
Nebraska $131,870
$102,410
+$29,460
New Jersey $129,950
$112,350
+$17,600
New Mexico $132,340
$139,130
$-6,790
New York $102,930
$106,720
$-3,790
North Carolina $120,270
$101,900
+$18,370
Ohio $130,740
$108,440
+$22,300
Oklahoma $104,380
$127,930
$-23,550
Oregon $101,310
$96,120
+$5,190
Pennsylvania $121,120
$106,260
+$14,860
South Carolina $130,780
$103,840
+$26,940
Tennessee $118,930
$105,120
+$13,810
Texas $127,870
$153,350
$-25,480
Utah $127,760
$75,500
+$52,260
Washington $142,520
$131,840
+$10,680
Wisconsin $87,160
$104,210
$-17,050

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Aerospace Engineers or Chemical Engineers?
On average across all states, a Aerospace Engineers earns more than a Chemical Engineers. The national median salary difference is $11,499 (10.4%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Aerospace Engineers earn more than a Chemical Engineers?
A Aerospace Engineers earns a higher median salary than a Chemical Engineers in 23 out of 33 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Chemical Engineers pays more in 10 states.
What is the median salary for a Aerospace Engineers vs Chemical Engineers?
The national median salary for a Aerospace Engineers is $121,876 per year, compared to $110,377 for a Chemical Engineers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Aerospace Engineers or Chemical Engineers?
There are more people employed as Aerospace Engineers. BLS reports approximately 62,910 Aerospace Engineers positions and 19,740 Chemical Engineers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Aerospace Engineers or Chemical Engineers?
Both Aerospace Engineers and Chemical Engineers are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.

Compare After-Tax Take-Home Pay

See what each role actually pays after federal, state, and FICA taxes.