National Salary Overview
VS
Nuclear Engineers earns $15,924 more (14.4%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$110,377
$126,301
Average (Mean) Salary
$114,871
$126,567
Total Employment
19,740
9,440
States with Higher Pay
3
15
Salary by State: Chemical Engineers vs Nuclear Engineers
Showing 18 states where both occupations have BLS data. Chemical Engineers pays more in 3 states; Nuclear Engineers pays more in 15.
| State | Chemical Engineers | Nuclear Engineers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $101,120 | $129,460 | $-28,340 | ||
| Florida | $104,090 | $120,190 | $-16,100 | ||
| Illinois | $107,080 | $121,550 | $-14,470 | ||
| Maryland | $122,450 | $127,070 | $-4,620 | ||
| Michigan | $105,040 | $125,130 | $-20,090 | ||
| Missouri | $99,450 | $124,160 | $-24,710 | ||
| New Mexico | $139,130 | $132,320 | +$6,810 | ||
| New York | $106,720 | $128,200 | $-21,480 | ||
| North Carolina | $101,900 | $116,020 | $-14,120 | ||
| Ohio | $108,440 | $120,290 | $-11,850 | ||
| Oregon | $96,120 | $137,530 | $-41,410 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $106,260 | $126,530 | $-20,270 | ||
| South Carolina | $103,840 | $104,270 | $-430 | ||
| Tennessee | $105,120 | $132,320 | $-27,200 | ||
| Texas | $153,350 | $124,610 | +$28,740 | ||
| Utah | $75,500 | $134,740 | $-59,240 | ||
| Washington | $131,840 | $116,100 | +$15,740 | ||
| Wisconsin | $104,210 | $122,160 | $-17,950 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Chemical Engineers or Nuclear Engineers?
On average across all states, a Nuclear Engineers earns more than a Chemical Engineers. The national median salary difference is $15,924 (14.4%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Chemical Engineers earn more than a Nuclear Engineers?
A Chemical Engineers earns a higher median salary than a Nuclear Engineers in 3 out of 18 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Nuclear Engineers pays more in 15 states.
What is the median salary for a Chemical Engineers vs Nuclear Engineers?
The national median salary for a Chemical Engineers is $110,377 per year, compared to $126,301 for a Nuclear Engineers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Chemical Engineers or Nuclear Engineers?
There are more people employed as Chemical Engineers. BLS reports approximately 19,740 Chemical Engineers positions and 9,440 Nuclear Engineers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Chemical Engineers or Nuclear Engineers?
Both Chemical Engineers and Nuclear 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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