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Electrical Engineers vs Materials Engineers: Salary Comparison

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025).

National Salary Overview

Electrical Engineers

Median Salary
$114,433
Average (Mean)
$119,149
Employed Nationwide
192,150
VS

Materials Engineers

Median Salary
$108,867
Average (Mean)
$113,824
Employed Nationwide
22,470
Electrical Engineers earns $5,566 more (5.1%)
Electrical Engineers vs Materials Engineers national median (BLS 2025)Ranked horizontal bars comparing 2 entries.Electrical EngineersElectrical EngineersElectrical Engineers: $114,434$114,434Materials EngineersMaterials EngineersMaterials Engineers: $108,868$108,868

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $114,433 $108,867
Average (Mean) Salary $119,149 $113,824
Total Employment 192,150 22,470
States with Higher Pay 28 15

Salary by State: Electrical Engineers vs Materials Engineers

Showing 43 states where both occupations have BLS data. Electrical Engineers pays more in 28 states; Materials Engineers pays more in 15.

State Electrical Engineers Materials Engineers Difference
Alabama $125,630
$107,580
+$18,050
Alaska $125,970
$123,360
+$2,610
Arizona $100,550
$106,810
$-6,260
Arkansas $96,860
$103,900
$-7,040
California $144,040
$128,470
+$15,570
Colorado $120,760
$124,030
$-3,270
Connecticut $104,160
$122,300
$-18,140
Delaware $126,970
$131,320
$-4,350
Florida $104,780
$118,780
$-14,000
Idaho $129,340
$105,820
+$23,520
Illinois $107,860
$126,620
$-18,760
Indiana $102,670
$101,120
+$1,550
Iowa $105,820
$64,270
+$41,550
Kansas $102,630
$100,000
+$2,630
Kentucky $98,550
$100,620
$-2,070
Louisiana $123,710
$128,670
$-4,960
Maine $114,620
$97,110
+$17,510
Maryland $125,150
$140,640
$-15,490
Massachusetts $127,720
$114,100
+$13,620
Michigan $106,070
$94,050
+$12,020
Minnesota $109,510
$106,220
+$3,290
Mississippi $104,990
$78,700
+$26,290
Missouri $118,670
$98,860
+$19,810
Montana $87,360
$76,030
+$11,330
Nebraska $107,260
$98,270
+$8,990
Nevada $107,400
$99,010
+$8,390
New Hampshire $135,710
$101,290
+$34,420
New Jersey $125,370
$106,920
+$18,450
New Mexico $158,520
$165,600
$-7,080
New York $119,010
$125,900
$-6,890
North Carolina $110,130
$104,240
+$5,890
Ohio $100,620
$106,510
$-5,890
Oklahoma $107,760
$99,950
+$7,810
Oregon $125,160
$122,850
+$2,310
Pennsylvania $110,820
$98,030
+$12,790
South Carolina $98,440
$121,610
$-23,170
Tennessee $104,450
$91,940
+$12,510
Texas $129,450
$117,700
+$11,750
Utah $105,720
$88,080
+$17,640
Virginia $119,030
$116,720
+$2,310
Washington $132,710
$139,840
$-7,130
Wisconsin $99,700
$96,210
+$3,490
Wyoming $111,740
$110,970
+$770

Explore This Comparison by State

Dive deeper — see how Electrical Engineers vs Materials Engineers salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.

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 $5,566 (5.1%) based on 2025 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 28 out of 43 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Materials Engineers pays more in 15 states.
What is the median salary for a Electrical Engineers vs Materials Engineers?
The national median salary for a Electrical Engineers is $114,433 per year, compared to $108,867 for a Materials Engineers, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Electrical Engineers or Materials Engineers?
There are more people employed as Electrical Engineers. BLS reports approximately 192,150 Electrical Engineers positions and 22,470 Materials Engineers positions nationwide (2025).
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.

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