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Chemical Engineers vs Electrical Engineers: Salary Comparison

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025).

National Salary Overview

Chemical Engineers

Median Salary
$115,632
Average (Mean)
$120,823
Employed Nationwide
17,580
VS

Electrical Engineers

Median Salary
$114,433
Average (Mean)
$119,149
Employed Nationwide
192,150
Chemical Engineers earns $1,198 more (1.0%)
Chemical Engineers vs Electrical Engineers national median (BLS 2025)Ranked horizontal bars comparing 2 entries.Chemical EngineersChemical EngineersChemical Engineers: $115,633$115,633Electrical EngineersElectrical EngineersElectrical Engineers: $114,434$114,434

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $115,632 $114,433
Average (Mean) Salary $120,823 $119,149
Total Employment 17,580 192,150
States with Higher Pay 24 15

Salary by State: Chemical Engineers vs Electrical Engineers

Showing 39 states where both occupations have BLS data. Chemical Engineers pays more in 24 states; Electrical Engineers pays more in 15.

State Chemical Engineers Electrical Engineers Difference
Alabama $135,030
$125,630
+$9,400
Alaska $106,080
$125,970
$-19,890
Arkansas $105,270
$96,860
+$8,410
Colorado $125,800
$120,760
+$5,040
Connecticut $102,270
$104,160
$-1,890
Delaware $133,670
$126,970
+$6,700
Florida $109,000
$104,780
+$4,220
Idaho $106,740
$129,340
$-22,600
Illinois $121,560
$107,860
+$13,700
Indiana $113,160
$102,670
+$10,490
Iowa $117,590
$105,820
+$11,770
Kansas $102,020
$102,630
$-610
Kentucky $117,170
$98,550
+$18,620
Louisiana $134,800
$123,710
+$11,090
Maryland $127,190
$125,150
+$2,040
Massachusetts $118,000
$127,720
$-9,720
Michigan $103,230
$106,070
$-2,840
Minnesota $107,670
$109,510
$-1,840
Mississippi $106,740
$104,990
+$1,750
Missouri $102,320
$118,670
$-16,350
Montana $127,490
$87,360
+$40,130
Nebraska $98,310
$107,260
$-8,950
New Hampshire $73,250
$135,710
$-62,460
New Jersey $126,760
$125,370
+$1,390
New Mexico $158,190
$158,520
$-330
New York $129,060
$119,010
+$10,050
North Carolina $117,410
$110,130
+$7,280
North Dakota $115,400
$110,810
+$4,590
Ohio $111,200
$100,620
+$10,580
Oklahoma $127,790
$107,760
+$20,030
Oregon $116,950
$125,160
$-8,210
Pennsylvania $116,970
$110,820
+$6,150
South Carolina $101,570
$98,440
+$3,130
Texas $132,750
$129,450
+$3,300
Utah $85,520
$105,720
$-20,200
Virginia $136,380
$119,030
+$17,350
Washington $128,290
$132,710
$-4,420
West Virginia $129,210
$113,420
+$15,790
Wisconsin $97,660
$99,700
$-2,040

Explore This Comparison by State

Dive deeper — see how Chemical Engineers vs Electrical Engineers salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.

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 $1,198 (1.0%) based on 2025 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 24 out of 39 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Electrical Engineers pays more in 15 states.
What is the median salary for a Chemical Engineers vs Electrical Engineers?
The national median salary for a Chemical Engineers is $115,632 per year, compared to $114,433 for a Electrical Engineers, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Chemical Engineers or Electrical Engineers?
There are more people employed as Electrical Engineers. BLS reports approximately 17,580 Chemical Engineers positions and 192,150 Electrical Engineers positions nationwide (2025).
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.

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