Chemical Engineers vs Industrial 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

Industrial Engineers

Median Salary
$99,282
Average (Mean)
$103,385
Employed Nationwide
332,690
Chemical Engineers earns $11,094 more (11.2%)

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $110,377 $99,282
Average (Mean) Salary $114,871 $103,385
Total Employment 19,740 332,690
States with Higher Pay 34 7

Salary by State: Chemical Engineers vs Industrial Engineers

Showing 41 states where both occupations have BLS data. Chemical Engineers pays more in 34 states; Industrial Engineers pays more in 7.

State Chemical Engineers Industrial Engineers Difference
Alabama $101,120
$97,360
+$3,760
Arizona $133,550
$104,210
+$29,340
Arkansas $91,440
$93,220
$-1,780
California $110,920
$111,770
$-850
Colorado $107,450
$102,150
+$5,300
Connecticut $94,240
$99,420
$-5,180
Delaware $130,280
$114,250
+$16,030
Florida $104,090
$100,010
+$4,080
Georgia $119,650
$95,930
+$23,720
Illinois $107,080
$99,660
+$7,420
Indiana $105,810
$88,360
+$17,450
Iowa $105,890
$97,290
+$8,600
Kansas $96,830
$93,560
+$3,270
Kentucky $112,210
$84,980
+$27,230
Louisiana $123,420
$125,830
$-2,410
Maryland $122,450
$107,260
+$15,190
Massachusetts $106,810
$104,120
+$2,690
Michigan $105,040
$98,340
+$6,700
Minnesota $103,490
$99,630
+$3,860
Mississippi $97,190
$85,540
+$11,650
Missouri $99,450
$92,120
+$7,330
Montana $128,680
$101,580
+$27,100
Nebraska $102,410
$86,790
+$15,620
New Hampshire $101,580
$99,780
+$1,800
New Jersey $112,350
$101,410
+$10,940
New Mexico $139,130
$107,710
+$31,420
New York $106,720
$99,110
+$7,610
North Carolina $101,900
$94,040
+$7,860
North Dakota $111,150
$79,720
+$31,430
Ohio $108,440
$96,500
+$11,940
Oklahoma $127,930
$95,090
+$32,840
Oregon $96,120
$103,080
$-6,960
Pennsylvania $106,260
$84,530
+$21,730
South Carolina $103,840
$92,470
+$11,370
Tennessee $105,120
$92,830
+$12,290
Texas $153,350
$102,020
+$51,330
Utah $75,500
$102,770
$-27,270
Washington $131,840
$105,130
+$26,710
West Virginia $130,640
$100,230
+$30,410
Wisconsin $104,210
$81,750
+$22,460
Wyoming $99,890
$124,910
$-25,020

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Chemical Engineers or Industrial Engineers?
On average across all states, a Chemical Engineers earns more than a Industrial Engineers. The national median salary difference is $11,094 (11.2%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Chemical Engineers earn more than a Industrial Engineers?
A Chemical Engineers earns a higher median salary than a Industrial Engineers in 34 out of 41 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Industrial Engineers pays more in 7 states.
What is the median salary for a Chemical Engineers vs Industrial Engineers?
The national median salary for a Chemical Engineers is $110,377 per year, compared to $99,282 for a Industrial Engineers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Chemical Engineers or Industrial Engineers?
There are more people employed as Industrial Engineers. BLS reports approximately 19,740 Chemical Engineers positions and 332,690 Industrial Engineers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Chemical Engineers or Industrial Engineers?
Both Chemical Engineers and Industrial 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.