National Salary Overview
VS
Chemical Engineers earns $10,797 more (10.8%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$110,377
$99,580
Average (Mean) Salary
$114,871
$103,867
Total Employment
19,740
23,240
States with Higher Pay
28
10
Salary by State: Chemical Engineers vs Materials Engineers
Showing 38 states where both occupations have BLS data. Chemical Engineers pays more in 28 states; Materials Engineers pays more in 10.
| State | Chemical Engineers | Materials Engineers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $101,120 | $103,940 | $-2,820 | ||
| Arizona | $133,550 | $129,190 | +$4,360 | ||
| Arkansas | $91,440 | $95,010 | $-3,570 | ||
| California | $110,920 | $118,270 | $-7,350 | ||
| Connecticut | $94,240 | $106,370 | $-12,130 | ||
| Delaware | $130,280 | $104,630 | +$25,650 | ||
| Florida | $104,090 | $95,350 | +$8,740 | ||
| Georgia | $119,650 | $82,200 | +$37,450 | ||
| Illinois | $107,080 | $98,060 | +$9,020 | ||
| Indiana | $105,810 | $95,140 | +$10,670 | ||
| Iowa | $105,890 | $92,240 | +$13,650 | ||
| Kansas | $96,830 | $93,150 | +$3,680 | ||
| Kentucky | $112,210 | $99,830 | +$12,380 | ||
| Louisiana | $123,420 | $99,860 | +$23,560 | ||
| Maryland | $122,450 | $128,410 | $-5,960 | ||
| Massachusetts | $106,810 | $107,260 | $-450 | ||
| Michigan | $105,040 | $95,090 | +$9,950 | ||
| Minnesota | $103,490 | $95,540 | +$7,950 | ||
| Mississippi | $97,190 | $70,300 | +$26,890 | ||
| Missouri | $99,450 | $104,830 | $-5,380 | ||
| Montana | $128,680 | $72,380 | +$56,300 | ||
| Nebraska | $102,410 | $85,580 | +$16,830 | ||
| New Hampshire | $101,580 | $111,340 | $-9,760 | ||
| New Jersey | $112,350 | $101,300 | +$11,050 | ||
| New York | $106,720 | $95,390 | +$11,330 | ||
| North Carolina | $101,900 | $92,570 | +$9,330 | ||
| North Dakota | $111,150 | $91,440 | +$19,710 | ||
| Ohio | $108,440 | $101,620 | +$6,820 | ||
| Oklahoma | $127,930 | $80,880 | +$47,050 | ||
| Oregon | $96,120 | $126,340 | $-30,220 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $106,260 | $83,990 | +$22,270 | ||
| South Carolina | $103,840 | $96,210 | +$7,630 | ||
| Tennessee | $105,120 | $103,680 | +$1,440 | ||
| Texas | $153,350 | $109,280 | +$44,070 | ||
| Utah | $75,500 | $80,410 | $-4,910 | ||
| Washington | $131,840 | $125,090 | +$6,750 | ||
| West Virginia | $130,640 | $85,610 | +$45,030 | ||
| Wisconsin | $104,210 | $100,680 | +$3,530 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Chemical Engineers or Materials Engineers?
On average across all states, a Chemical Engineers earns more than a Materials Engineers. The national median salary difference is $10,797 (10.8%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Chemical Engineers earn more than a Materials Engineers?
A Chemical Engineers earns a higher median salary than a Materials Engineers in 28 out of 38 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Materials Engineers pays more in 10 states.
What is the median salary for a Chemical Engineers vs Materials Engineers?
The national median salary for a Chemical Engineers is $110,377 per year, compared to $99,580 for a Materials Engineers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Chemical Engineers or Materials Engineers?
There are more people employed as Materials Engineers. BLS reports approximately 19,740 Chemical Engineers positions and 23,240 Materials Engineers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Chemical Engineers or Materials Engineers?
Both Chemical 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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