Chemical Engineers vs Electrical Engineers: Salary Comparison

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

National Salary Overview

Chemical Engineers

Median Salary
$110,377
Average (Mean)
$114,871
Employed Nationwide
19,740
VS

Electrical Engineers

Median Salary
$106,188
Average (Mean)
$111,026
Employed Nationwide
184,480
Chemical Engineers earns $4,188 more (3.9%)

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $110,377 $106,188
Average (Mean) Salary $114,871 $111,026
Total Employment 19,740 184,480
States with Higher Pay 28 13

Salary by State: Chemical Engineers vs Electrical Engineers

Showing 41 states where both occupations have BLS data. Chemical Engineers pays more in 28 states; Electrical Engineers pays more in 13.

State Chemical Engineers Electrical Engineers Difference
Alabama $101,120
$105,580
$-4,460
Arizona $133,550
$104,950
+$28,600
Arkansas $91,440
$80,190
+$11,250
California $110,920
$139,140
$-28,220
Colorado $107,450
$110,010
$-2,560
Connecticut $94,240
$114,260
$-20,020
Delaware $130,280
$105,810
+$24,470
Florida $104,090
$100,200
+$3,890
Georgia $119,650
$103,460
+$16,190
Illinois $107,080
$104,120
+$2,960
Indiana $105,810
$98,270
+$7,540
Iowa $105,890
$106,770
$-880
Kansas $96,830
$93,700
+$3,130
Kentucky $112,210
$83,190
+$29,020
Louisiana $123,420
$103,030
+$20,390
Maryland $122,450
$120,240
+$2,210
Massachusetts $106,810
$125,470
$-18,660
Michigan $105,040
$99,800
+$5,240
Minnesota $103,490
$103,330
+$160
Mississippi $97,190
$98,340
$-1,150
Missouri $99,450
$99,530
$-80
Montana $128,680
$90,600
+$38,080
Nebraska $102,410
$102,080
+$330
New Hampshire $101,580
$133,180
$-31,600
New Jersey $112,350
$108,120
+$4,230
New Mexico $139,130
$135,880
+$3,250
New York $106,720
$107,000
$-280
North Carolina $101,900
$101,170
+$730
North Dakota $111,150
$105,230
+$5,920
Ohio $108,440
$100,230
+$8,210
Oklahoma $127,930
$100,850
+$27,080
Oregon $96,120
$120,430
$-24,310
Pennsylvania $106,260
$105,000
+$1,260
South Carolina $103,840
$96,120
+$7,720
Tennessee $105,120
$103,170
+$1,950
Texas $153,350
$102,710
+$50,640
Utah $75,500
$104,800
$-29,300
Washington $131,840
$126,800
+$5,040
West Virginia $130,640
$100,230
+$30,410
Wisconsin $104,210
$97,880
+$6,330
Wyoming $99,890
$102,960
$-3,070

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Chemical Engineers or Electrical Engineers?
On average across all states, a Chemical Engineers earns more than a Electrical Engineers. The national median salary difference is $4,188 (3.9%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Chemical Engineers earn more than a Electrical Engineers?
A Chemical Engineers earns a higher median salary than a Electrical Engineers in 28 out of 41 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Electrical Engineers pays more in 13 states.
What is the median salary for a Chemical Engineers vs Electrical Engineers?
The national median salary for a Chemical Engineers is $110,377 per year, compared to $106,188 for a Electrical Engineers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Chemical Engineers or Electrical Engineers?
There are more people employed as Electrical Engineers. BLS reports approximately 19,740 Chemical Engineers positions and 184,480 Electrical Engineers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Chemical Engineers or Electrical Engineers?
Both Chemical Engineers and Electrical 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.