National Salary Overview
VS
Nuclear Engineers earns $26,721 more (26.8%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$99,580
$126,301
Average (Mean) Salary
$103,867
$126,567
Total Employment
23,240
9,440
States with Higher Pay
2
16
Salary by State: Materials Engineers vs Nuclear Engineers
Showing 18 states where both occupations have BLS data. Materials Engineers pays more in 2 states; Nuclear Engineers pays more in 16.
| State | Materials Engineers | Nuclear Engineers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $103,940 | $129,460 | $-25,520 | ||
| Florida | $95,350 | $120,190 | $-24,840 | ||
| Illinois | $98,060 | $121,550 | $-23,490 | ||
| Maryland | $128,410 | $127,070 | +$1,340 | ||
| Michigan | $95,090 | $125,130 | $-30,040 | ||
| Missouri | $104,830 | $124,160 | $-19,330 | ||
| New York | $95,390 | $128,200 | $-32,810 | ||
| North Carolina | $92,570 | $116,020 | $-23,450 | ||
| Ohio | $101,620 | $120,290 | $-18,670 | ||
| Oregon | $126,340 | $137,530 | $-11,190 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $83,990 | $126,530 | $-42,540 | ||
| South Carolina | $96,210 | $104,270 | $-8,060 | ||
| Tennessee | $103,680 | $132,320 | $-28,640 | ||
| Texas | $109,280 | $124,610 | $-15,330 | ||
| Utah | $80,410 | $134,740 | $-54,330 | ||
| Virginia | $104,500 | $108,990 | $-4,490 | ||
| Washington | $125,090 | $116,100 | +$8,990 | ||
| Wisconsin | $100,680 | $122,160 | $-21,480 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Materials Engineers or Nuclear Engineers?
On average across all states, a Nuclear Engineers earns more than a Materials Engineers. The national median salary difference is $26,721 (26.8%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Materials Engineers earn more than a Nuclear Engineers?
A Materials Engineers earns a higher median salary than a Nuclear Engineers in 2 out of 18 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Nuclear Engineers pays more in 16 states.
What is the median salary for a Materials Engineers vs Nuclear Engineers?
The national median salary for a Materials Engineers is $99,580 per year, compared to $126,301 for a Nuclear Engineers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Materials Engineers or Nuclear Engineers?
There are more people employed as Materials Engineers. BLS reports approximately 23,240 Materials Engineers positions and 9,440 Nuclear Engineers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Materials Engineers or Nuclear Engineers?
Both Materials 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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