National Salary Overview
VS
Chemical Engineers earns $10,216 more (9.7%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$115,632
$105,415
Average (Mean) Salary
$120,823
$110,677
Total Employment
17,580
291,190
States with Higher Pay
33
8
Salary by State: Chemical Engineers vs Mechanical Engineers
Showing 41 states where both occupations have BLS data. Chemical Engineers pays more in 33 states; Mechanical Engineers pays more in 8.
| State | Chemical Engineers | Mechanical Engineers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $135,030 | $100,230 | +$34,800 | ||
| Alaska | $106,080 | $124,340 | $-18,260 | ||
| Arkansas | $105,270 | $80,180 | +$25,090 | ||
| Colorado | $125,800 | $124,430 | +$1,370 | ||
| Connecticut | $102,270 | $105,090 | $-2,820 | ||
| Delaware | $133,670 | $125,130 | +$8,540 | ||
| Florida | $109,000 | $99,980 | +$9,020 | ||
| Georgia | $103,880 | $100,620 | +$3,260 | ||
| Idaho | $106,740 | $93,190 | +$13,550 | ||
| Illinois | $121,560 | $102,680 | +$18,880 | ||
| Indiana | $113,160 | $99,590 | +$13,570 | ||
| Iowa | $117,590 | $97,700 | +$19,890 | ||
| Kansas | $102,020 | $86,260 | +$15,760 | ||
| Kentucky | $117,170 | $101,050 | +$16,120 | ||
| Louisiana | $134,800 | $119,540 | +$15,260 | ||
| Maryland | $127,190 | $122,870 | +$4,320 | ||
| Massachusetts | $118,000 | $119,300 | $-1,300 | ||
| Michigan | $103,230 | $104,890 | $-1,660 | ||
| Minnesota | $107,670 | $99,140 | +$8,530 | ||
| Mississippi | $106,740 | $98,000 | +$8,740 | ||
| Missouri | $102,320 | $99,330 | +$2,990 | ||
| Montana | $127,490 | $94,190 | +$33,300 | ||
| Nebraska | $98,310 | $88,060 | +$10,250 | ||
| New Hampshire | $73,250 | $103,660 | $-30,410 | ||
| New Jersey | $126,760 | $112,300 | +$14,460 | ||
| New Mexico | $158,190 | $157,710 | +$480 | ||
| New York | $129,060 | $102,440 | +$26,620 | ||
| North Carolina | $117,410 | $100,720 | +$16,690 | ||
| North Dakota | $115,400 | $86,330 | +$29,070 | ||
| Ohio | $111,200 | $99,100 | +$12,100 | ||
| Oklahoma | $127,790 | $101,850 | +$25,940 | ||
| Oregon | $116,950 | $103,470 | +$13,480 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $116,970 | $97,920 | +$19,050 | ||
| Rhode Island | $111,590 | $116,230 | $-4,640 | ||
| South Carolina | $101,570 | $104,580 | $-3,010 | ||
| Texas | $132,750 | $112,410 | +$20,340 | ||
| Utah | $85,520 | $102,500 | $-16,980 | ||
| Virginia | $136,380 | $104,180 | +$32,200 | ||
| Washington | $128,290 | $110,430 | +$17,860 | ||
| West Virginia | $129,210 | $97,390 | +$31,820 | ||
| Wisconsin | $97,660 | $95,870 | +$1,790 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Chemical Engineers vs Mechanical Engineers salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Chemical Engineers or Mechanical Engineers?
On average across all states, a Chemical Engineers earns more than a Mechanical Engineers. The national median salary difference is $10,216 (9.7%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Chemical Engineers earn more than a Mechanical Engineers?
A Chemical Engineers earns a higher median salary than a Mechanical Engineers in 33 out of 41 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Mechanical Engineers pays more in 8 states.
What is the median salary for a Chemical Engineers vs Mechanical Engineers?
The national median salary for a Chemical Engineers is $115,632 per year, compared to $105,415 for a Mechanical Engineers, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Chemical Engineers or Mechanical Engineers?
There are more people employed as Mechanical Engineers. BLS reports approximately 17,580 Chemical Engineers positions and 291,190 Mechanical Engineers positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Chemical Engineers or Mechanical Engineers?
Both Chemical Engineers and Mechanical 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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