Electrical Engineers vs Materials Engineers: Salary Comparison

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024).

National Salary Overview

Electrical Engineers

Median Salary
$106,188
Average (Mean)
$111,026
Employed Nationwide
184,480
VS

Materials Engineers

Median Salary
$99,580
Average (Mean)
$103,867
Employed Nationwide
23,240
Electrical Engineers earns $6,608 more (6.6%)

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $106,188 $99,580
Average (Mean) Salary $111,026 $103,867
Total Employment 184,480 23,240
States with Higher Pay 30 14

Salary by State: Electrical Engineers vs Materials Engineers

Showing 44 states where both occupations have BLS data. Electrical Engineers pays more in 30 states; Materials Engineers pays more in 14.

State Electrical Engineers Materials Engineers Difference
Alabama $105,580
$103,940
+$1,640
Alaska $101,710
$113,870
$-12,160
Arizona $104,950
$129,190
$-24,240
Arkansas $80,190
$95,010
$-14,820
California $139,140
$118,270
+$20,870
Connecticut $114,260
$106,370
+$7,890
Delaware $105,810
$104,630
+$1,180
Florida $100,200
$95,350
+$4,850
Georgia $103,460
$82,200
+$21,260
Idaho $119,140
$95,470
+$23,670
Illinois $104,120
$98,060
+$6,060
Indiana $98,270
$95,140
+$3,130
Iowa $106,770
$92,240
+$14,530
Kansas $93,700
$93,150
+$550
Kentucky $83,190
$99,830
$-16,640
Louisiana $103,030
$99,860
+$3,170
Maine $104,630
$81,210
+$23,420
Maryland $120,240
$128,410
$-8,170
Massachusetts $125,470
$107,260
+$18,210
Michigan $99,800
$95,090
+$4,710
Minnesota $103,330
$95,540
+$7,790
Mississippi $98,340
$70,300
+$28,040
Missouri $99,530
$104,830
$-5,300
Montana $90,600
$72,380
+$18,220
Nebraska $102,080
$85,580
+$16,500
Nevada $95,140
$98,420
$-3,280
New Hampshire $133,180
$111,340
+$21,840
New Jersey $108,120
$101,300
+$6,820
New York $107,000
$95,390
+$11,610
North Carolina $101,170
$92,570
+$8,600
North Dakota $105,230
$91,440
+$13,790
Ohio $100,230
$101,620
$-1,390
Oklahoma $100,850
$80,880
+$19,970
Oregon $120,430
$126,340
$-5,910
Pennsylvania $105,000
$83,990
+$21,010
Rhode Island $105,130
$129,590
$-24,460
South Carolina $96,120
$96,210
$-90
Tennessee $103,170
$103,680
$-510
Texas $102,710
$109,280
$-6,570
Utah $104,800
$80,410
+$24,390
Virginia $110,840
$104,500
+$6,340
Washington $126,800
$125,090
+$1,710
West Virginia $100,230
$85,610
+$14,620
Wisconsin $97,880
$100,680
$-2,800

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Electrical Engineers or Materials Engineers?
On average across all states, a Electrical Engineers earns more than a Materials Engineers. The national median salary difference is $6,608 (6.6%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Electrical Engineers earn more than a Materials Engineers?
A Electrical Engineers earns a higher median salary than a Materials Engineers in 30 out of 44 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Materials Engineers pays more in 14 states.
What is the median salary for a Electrical Engineers vs Materials Engineers?
The national median salary for a Electrical Engineers is $106,188 per year, compared to $99,580 for a Materials Engineers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Electrical Engineers or Materials Engineers?
There are more people employed as Electrical Engineers. BLS reports approximately 184,480 Electrical Engineers positions and 23,240 Materials Engineers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Electrical Engineers or Materials Engineers?
Both Electrical 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.