National Salary Overview
VS
Aerospace Engineers earns $21,263 more (19.5%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$130,131
$108,867
Average (Mean) Salary
$134,023
$113,824
Total Employment
66,570
22,470
States with Higher Pay
31
7
Salary by State: Aerospace Engineers vs Materials Engineers
Showing 38 states where both occupations have BLS data. Aerospace Engineers pays more in 31 states; Materials Engineers pays more in 7.
| State | Aerospace Engineers | Materials Engineers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $127,540 | $107,580 | +$19,960 | ||
| Alaska | $101,710 | $123,360 | $-21,650 | ||
| Arizona | $123,170 | $106,810 | +$16,360 | ||
| Arkansas | $102,040 | $103,900 | $-1,860 | ||
| California | $157,620 | $128,470 | +$29,150 | ||
| Colorado | $156,190 | $124,030 | +$32,160 | ||
| Connecticut | $129,500 | $122,300 | +$7,200 | ||
| Florida | $129,280 | $118,780 | +$10,500 | ||
| Georgia | $140,460 | $100,840 | +$39,620 | ||
| Idaho | $95,700 | $105,820 | $-10,120 | ||
| Illinois | $108,940 | $126,620 | $-17,680 | ||
| Indiana | $107,400 | $101,120 | +$6,280 | ||
| Kansas | $130,330 | $100,000 | +$30,330 | ||
| Kentucky | $126,130 | $100,620 | +$25,510 | ||
| Louisiana | $136,970 | $128,670 | +$8,300 | ||
| Maryland | $156,750 | $140,640 | +$16,110 | ||
| Massachusetts | $149,470 | $114,100 | +$35,370 | ||
| Michigan | $128,960 | $94,050 | +$34,910 | ||
| Minnesota | $159,060 | $106,220 | +$52,840 | ||
| Mississippi | $109,200 | $78,700 | +$30,500 | ||
| Missouri | $130,680 | $98,860 | +$31,820 | ||
| Nebraska | $135,670 | $98,270 | +$37,400 | ||
| Nevada | $96,730 | $99,010 | $-2,280 | ||
| New Jersey | $126,430 | $106,920 | +$19,510 | ||
| New Mexico | $132,850 | $165,600 | $-32,750 | ||
| New York | $130,330 | $125,900 | +$4,430 | ||
| North Carolina | $122,930 | $104,240 | +$18,690 | ||
| Ohio | $138,440 | $106,510 | +$31,930 | ||
| Oklahoma | $125,470 | $99,950 | +$25,520 | ||
| Oregon | $124,630 | $122,850 | +$1,780 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $133,940 | $98,030 | +$35,910 | ||
| South Carolina | $137,030 | $121,610 | +$15,420 | ||
| Tennessee | $128,510 | $91,940 | +$36,570 | ||
| Texas | $130,270 | $117,700 | +$12,570 | ||
| Utah | $135,840 | $88,080 | +$47,760 | ||
| Virginia | $143,210 | $116,720 | +$26,490 | ||
| Washington | $158,370 | $139,840 | +$18,530 | ||
| Wisconsin | $88,400 | $96,210 | $-7,810 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Aerospace Engineers vs Materials Engineers salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Aerospace Engineers or Materials Engineers?
On average across all states, a Aerospace Engineers earns more than a Materials Engineers. The national median salary difference is $21,263 (19.5%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Aerospace Engineers earn more than a Materials Engineers?
A Aerospace Engineers earns a higher median salary than a Materials Engineers in 31 out of 38 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Materials Engineers pays more in 7 states.
What is the median salary for a Aerospace Engineers vs Materials Engineers?
The national median salary for a Aerospace Engineers is $130,131 per year, compared to $108,867 for a Materials Engineers, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Aerospace Engineers or Materials Engineers?
There are more people employed as Aerospace Engineers. BLS reports approximately 66,570 Aerospace Engineers positions and 22,470 Materials Engineers positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Aerospace Engineers or Materials Engineers?
Both Aerospace Engineers and Materials 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.
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