National Salary Overview
VS
Chemical Engineers earns $6,765 more (6.2%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$115,632
$108,867
Average (Mean) Salary
$120,823
$113,824
Total Employment
17,580
22,470
States with Higher Pay
28
11
Salary by State: Chemical Engineers vs Materials Engineers
Showing 39 states where both occupations have BLS data. Chemical Engineers pays more in 28 states; Materials Engineers pays more in 11.
| State | Chemical Engineers | Materials Engineers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $135,030 | $107,580 | +$27,450 | ||
| Alaska | $106,080 | $123,360 | $-17,280 | ||
| Arkansas | $105,270 | $103,900 | +$1,370 | ||
| Colorado | $125,800 | $124,030 | +$1,770 | ||
| Connecticut | $102,270 | $122,300 | $-20,030 | ||
| Delaware | $133,670 | $131,320 | +$2,350 | ||
| Florida | $109,000 | $118,780 | $-9,780 | ||
| Georgia | $103,880 | $100,840 | +$3,040 | ||
| Idaho | $106,740 | $105,820 | +$920 | ||
| Illinois | $121,560 | $126,620 | $-5,060 | ||
| Indiana | $113,160 | $101,120 | +$12,040 | ||
| Iowa | $117,590 | $64,270 | +$53,320 | ||
| Kansas | $102,020 | $100,000 | +$2,020 | ||
| Kentucky | $117,170 | $100,620 | +$16,550 | ||
| Louisiana | $134,800 | $128,670 | +$6,130 | ||
| Maryland | $127,190 | $140,640 | $-13,450 | ||
| Massachusetts | $118,000 | $114,100 | +$3,900 | ||
| Michigan | $103,230 | $94,050 | +$9,180 | ||
| Minnesota | $107,670 | $106,220 | +$1,450 | ||
| Mississippi | $106,740 | $78,700 | +$28,040 | ||
| Missouri | $102,320 | $98,860 | +$3,460 | ||
| Montana | $127,490 | $76,030 | +$51,460 | ||
| Nebraska | $98,310 | $98,270 | +$40 | ||
| New Hampshire | $73,250 | $101,290 | $-28,040 | ||
| New Jersey | $126,760 | $106,920 | +$19,840 | ||
| New Mexico | $158,190 | $165,600 | $-7,410 | ||
| New York | $129,060 | $125,900 | +$3,160 | ||
| North Carolina | $117,410 | $104,240 | +$13,170 | ||
| Ohio | $111,200 | $106,510 | +$4,690 | ||
| Oklahoma | $127,790 | $99,950 | +$27,840 | ||
| Oregon | $116,950 | $122,850 | $-5,900 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $116,970 | $98,030 | +$18,940 | ||
| Rhode Island | $111,590 | $87,180 | +$24,410 | ||
| South Carolina | $101,570 | $121,610 | $-20,040 | ||
| Texas | $132,750 | $117,700 | +$15,050 | ||
| Utah | $85,520 | $88,080 | $-2,560 | ||
| Virginia | $136,380 | $116,720 | +$19,660 | ||
| Washington | $128,290 | $139,840 | $-11,550 | ||
| Wisconsin | $97,660 | $96,210 | +$1,450 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Chemical Engineers vs Materials Engineers salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
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 $6,765 (6.2%) based on 2025 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 39 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Materials Engineers pays more in 11 states.
What is the median salary for a Chemical Engineers vs Materials Engineers?
The national median salary for a Chemical Engineers is $115,632 per year, compared to $108,867 for a Materials Engineers, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Chemical Engineers or Materials Engineers?
There are more people employed as Materials Engineers. BLS reports approximately 17,580 Chemical Engineers positions and 22,470 Materials Engineers positions nationwide (2025).
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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