National Salary Overview
VS
Chemical Engineers earns $9,122 more (8.6%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$115,632
$106,509
Average (Mean) Salary
$120,823
$111,022
Total Employment
17,580
365,720
States with Higher Pay
35
6
Salary by State: Chemical Engineers vs Industrial Engineers
Showing 41 states where both occupations have BLS data. Chemical Engineers pays more in 35 states; Industrial Engineers pays more in 6.
| State | Chemical Engineers | Industrial Engineers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $135,030 | $99,880 | +$35,150 | ||
| Alaska | $106,080 | $156,510 | $-50,430 | ||
| Arkansas | $105,270 | $98,410 | +$6,860 | ||
| Colorado | $125,800 | $109,750 | +$16,050 | ||
| Connecticut | $102,270 | $104,160 | $-1,890 | ||
| Delaware | $133,670 | $120,190 | +$13,480 | ||
| Florida | $109,000 | $101,610 | +$7,390 | ||
| Georgia | $103,880 | $100,100 | +$3,780 | ||
| Idaho | $106,740 | $100,840 | +$5,900 | ||
| Illinois | $121,560 | $100,540 | +$21,020 | ||
| Indiana | $113,160 | $97,480 | +$15,680 | ||
| Iowa | $117,590 | $97,690 | +$19,900 | ||
| Kansas | $102,020 | $99,830 | +$2,190 | ||
| Kentucky | $117,170 | $96,820 | +$20,350 | ||
| Louisiana | $134,800 | $122,920 | +$11,880 | ||
| Maryland | $127,190 | $119,930 | +$7,260 | ||
| Massachusetts | $118,000 | $109,420 | +$8,580 | ||
| Michigan | $103,230 | $101,680 | +$1,550 | ||
| Minnesota | $107,670 | $102,660 | +$5,010 | ||
| Mississippi | $106,740 | $95,830 | +$10,910 | ||
| Missouri | $102,320 | $99,290 | +$3,030 | ||
| Montana | $127,490 | $104,430 | +$23,060 | ||
| Nebraska | $98,310 | $98,170 | +$140 | ||
| New Hampshire | $73,250 | $101,310 | $-28,060 | ||
| New Jersey | $126,760 | $103,840 | +$22,920 | ||
| New Mexico | $158,190 | $128,090 | +$30,100 | ||
| New York | $129,060 | $102,640 | +$26,420 | ||
| North Carolina | $117,410 | $99,310 | +$18,100 | ||
| North Dakota | $115,400 | $96,940 | +$18,460 | ||
| Ohio | $111,200 | $100,060 | +$11,140 | ||
| Oklahoma | $127,790 | $97,510 | +$30,280 | ||
| Oregon | $116,950 | $128,290 | $-11,340 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $116,970 | $99,560 | +$17,410 | ||
| Rhode Island | $111,590 | $109,350 | +$2,240 | ||
| South Carolina | $101,570 | $101,060 | +$510 | ||
| Texas | $132,750 | $104,560 | +$28,190 | ||
| Utah | $85,520 | $103,940 | $-18,420 | ||
| Virginia | $136,380 | $102,550 | +$33,830 | ||
| Washington | $128,290 | $129,050 | $-760 | ||
| West Virginia | $129,210 | $108,360 | +$20,850 | ||
| Wisconsin | $97,660 | $96,980 | +$680 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Chemical Engineers vs Industrial Engineers salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
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 $9,122 (8.6%) based on 2025 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 35 out of 41 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Industrial Engineers pays more in 6 states.
What is the median salary for a Chemical Engineers vs Industrial Engineers?
The national median salary for a Chemical Engineers is $115,632 per year, compared to $106,509 for a Industrial Engineers, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Chemical Engineers or Industrial Engineers?
There are more people employed as Industrial Engineers. BLS reports approximately 17,580 Chemical Engineers positions and 365,720 Industrial Engineers positions nationwide (2025).
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.
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