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Salary comparison

Acupuncturists vs. Aerospace Engineers: Who Earns More?

Aerospace Engineers out-earn Acupuncturists by $59K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Acupuncturists land at $76,040 and Aerospace Engineers at $134,960. The education gap is real: acupuncturist programs typically require master's degree, while aerospace engineer programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Acupuncturists is Tennessee ($141,430); for Aerospace Engineers it's Minnesota ($159,060).

Acupuncturists
Aerospace Engineers
Median salary
$76,040
$134,960
Hourly rate
$36.56/hr
$64.89/hr
Entry level (10th %)
$38,830
$86,700
Senior level (90th %)
$161,470
$205,890
Education required
Master's degree
Bachelor's degree
U.S. employment
7,830
67,710
Job growth (10-year)
6.8%
6.1%
Category
Healthcare
Engineering
Top-paying state
Tennessee
Minnesota

Pay by state

States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Acupuncturists median pay.

State
Acupuncturists
Aerospace Engineers
Tennessee
$141,430
$128,510
Maryland
$101,650
$156,750
Massachusetts
$93,360
$149,470
Missouri
$89,000
$130,680
New York
$86,120
$130,330
Washington
$83,200
$158,370
California
$75,530
$157,620
Georgia
$73,980
$140,460
Florida
$69,990
$129,280
Minnesota
$69,690
$159,060
Texas
$66,530
$130,270
Michigan
$65,490
$128,960
Hawaii
$64,570
$137,240
Utah
$58,620
$135,840
Colorado
$56,950
$156,190

Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.

Common questions

Who earns more, Acupuncturists or Aerospace Engineers?

Aerospace Engineers earn more nationally. The median is $76,040 for Acupuncturists versus $134,960 for Aerospace Engineers, a difference of $59K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.

Which has better job growth, Acupuncturists or Aerospace Engineers?

Acupuncturists has the better 10-year outlook at 6.8% projected growth, compared to 6.1% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.

Which requires more education, Acupuncturists or Aerospace Engineers?

Acupuncturists typically requires master's degree. Aerospace Engineers requires bachelor's degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.

Where do Acupuncturists get paid the most?

Tennessee is the top-paying state for Acupuncturists at $141,430/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.

How does Acupuncturists vs. Aerospace Engineers pay differ by state?

The gap varies significantly by state. In Tennessee, Acupuncturists earn $141,430 vs. $128,510 for Aerospace Engineers. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.

Full Acupuncturists salary breakdownView →Full Aerospace Engineers salary breakdownView →Best cities for Acupuncturists by take-home payExplore →Best cities for Aerospace Engineers by take-home payExplore →How to become a acupuncturistsGuide →How to become a aerospace engineersGuide →