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How much does a Materials Engineer make?

The average salary for a Materials Engineer is $109,274 per year in the US.

Materials Engineers play a crucial role in many industries. They focus on developing and testing materials for various applications. The average yearly salary for a Materials Engineer is $109,274. This number can change based on experience, location, and specific industry. Companies value their expertise in creating and improving materials.

Some key factors affect salary for Materials Engineers. Entry-level positions often start lower, with an average salary around $42,000. With more experience, salaries rise significantly. For instance, an engineer with 10-19 years of experience might earn up to $160,545 per year. Companies in high-tech industries or research often offer higher pay. The data shows that salaries can vary, but the field offers good earning potential.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Materials Engineer?

Materials Engineers can find some of the best salaries in San Jose, CA, with an average salary of $134,787. The tech hub in this city drives demand for skilled professionals in materials science. Another top city is Tucson, AZ, where the average salary reaches $130,920, making it another attractive place for these engineers. Other cities like Washington, DC, Seattle, WA, and Denver, CO also offer high average salaries above $120,000. These cities combine industry opportunities with a strong demand for materials engineering expertise. Job seekers can expect competitive wages and dynamic job markets in these locations.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Materials Engineer jobs, highlighting San Jose, CA with the highest at $134,787 and Greensboro, NC with the lowest at $95,669.
  1. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $134,787
    In San Jose, working in materials science offers a dynamic environment. Tech companies like Intel and Apple drive innovation. The city supports a robust career in materials engineering.
    Find Materials Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA


  2. Tucson, AZ
    Average Salary: $130,920
    Tucson offers a thriving job market for materials engineers. Companies like Raytheon and Airbus value expertise here. The city's tech sector continues to grow.
    Find Materials Engineer jobs in Tucson, AZ


  3. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $127,725
    In Washington, DC, a materials engineer works with both private firms and government agencies. Companies like Lockheed Martin and General Dynamics offer diverse opportunities. The job market is competitive and rewarding.
    Find Materials Engineer jobs in Washington, DC


  4. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $124,825
    Seattle has a growing tech scene, making it a great place for materials engineers. Firms like Boeing and Microsoft provide exciting projects. The city’s innovation culture is a big plus.
    Find Materials Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA


  5. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $122,094
    Denver offers a vibrant atmosphere for materials engineers. Companies such as Lockheed Martin and Ball Aerospace need skilled professionals. The city’s cost of living is moderate.
    Find Materials Engineer jobs in Denver, CO


  6. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $117,309
    Los Angeles is home to many opportunities for materials engineers. Aerospace firms like Boeing and Northrop Grumman provide dynamic work. The city’s diverse industries offer a broad career path.
    Find Materials Engineer jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  7. Huntsville, AL
    Average Salary: $111,356
    Huntsville boasts a strong aerospace industry, ideal for materials engineers. Companies like NASA and Boeing have significant roles. The city provides a friendly, community-focused environment.
    Find Materials Engineer jobs in Huntsville, AL


  8. Wichita, KS
    Average Salary: $108,378
    Wichita is a hub for aviation, perfect for materials engineers. Companies like Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems offer solid career opportunities. The city is known for its welcoming atmosphere.
    Find Materials Engineer jobs in Wichita, KS


  9. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $103,259
    San Diego is an excellent place for materials engineers, with strong tech and defense sectors. Companies like Qualcomm and General Atomics are hiring. The city offers a great quality of life.
    Find Materials Engineer jobs in San Diego, CA


  10. Greensboro, NC
    Average Salary: $95,669
    Greensboro offers a balanced work-life style for materials engineers. Companies like Volvo and IBM present valuable opportunities. The city's growing industries make it a good place to work.
    Find Materials Engineer jobs in Greensboro, NC

What are the best companies a Materials Engineer can work for?

Apple stands out as a top employer for materials engineers, offering an average salary of $206,439. This tech giant leverages innovative materials in its products, creating a high demand for skilled engineers. Amazon also pays well at $154,178, focusing on advanced materials for logistics and product development. Raytheon leads in aerospace and defense, providing a competitive average salary of $127,417. Tesla, known for electric vehicles, offers $124,979 for materials engineers working on battery technology. Blue Origin pays $124,001, emphasizing materials for space exploration.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Materials Engineer jobs, highlighting Apple with the highest at $206,439 and Naval Nuclear Laboratory with the lowest at $107,269.
  1. Apple
    Average Salary: $206,439
    Apple offers exciting roles for Materials Engineers to work on cutting-edge technology. They design and test new materials for products like iPhones and MacBooks. Apple operates in several locations, including Cupertino, California, and Austin, Texas.


  2. Amazon.com
    Average Salary: $154,178
    Amazon provides opportunities for Materials Engineers to innovate in packaging and product development. They focus on creating materials that improve durability and cost-efficiency. Amazon has facilities in Seattle, Washington, and many other cities across the U.S.


  3. Raytheon
    Average Salary: $127,417
    Raytheon seeks Materials Engineers to work on defense and aerospace projects. They design materials that withstand extreme conditions. Raytheon has offices in several states, including Massachusetts and Virginia.


  4. Tesla
    Average Salary: $124,979
    At Tesla, Materials Engineers play a key role in developing sustainable energy solutions. They work on materials for electric vehicles and batteries. Tesla operates in multiple locations, including Palo Alto, California, and Fremont, California.


  5. Blue Origin
    Average Salary: $124,001
    Blue Origin offers challenging roles for Materials Engineers in space exploration. They develop materials for spacecraft and rocket engines. Blue Origin is based in Kent, Washington.


  6. General Atomics
    Average Salary: $122,841
    General Atomics provides opportunities for Materials Engineers to work on advanced defense technologies. They focus on creating materials for unmanned aircraft. General Atomics has offices in San Diego, California.


  7. Northrop Grumman
    Average Salary: $120,003
    Northrop Grumman seeks Materials Engineers to design materials for aerospace and defense applications. They work on projects that enhance national security. The company operates in various locations, including Virginia and California.


  8. Belcan
    Average Salary: $117,619
    Belcan offers diverse roles for Materials Engineers in aerospace and defense. They work on advanced material technologies. Belcan has offices in multiple states, including Maryland and Virginia.


  9. Boeing
    Average Salary: $109,575
    Boeing provides opportunities for Materials Engineers to innovate in aviation and defense. They design materials for aircraft and spacecraft. Boeing operates in Seattle, Washington, and other locations.


  10. Naval Nuclear Laboratory
    Average Salary: $107,269
    The Naval Nuclear Laboratory offers roles for Materials Engineers to develop materials for nuclear propulsion. They focus on ensuring safety and efficiency. This laboratory is located in Washington, D.C.

How to earn more as a Materials Engineer?

A Materials Engineer works with various materials to design new products. Earning more in this role often depends on a few key factors. Increasing skills and experience leads to higher pay. Specializing in a niche area can also boost earnings. Networking within the industry helps discover more opportunities. Taking on leadership roles can increase salary. Staying updated with the latest technology enhances job performance and value.

To earn more, consider the following factors. First, gaining advanced certifications in materials science can set an engineer apart. Continuing education in related fields often pays off. Second, experience in specific industries, such as automotive or aerospace, can lead to higher salaries. Third, developing strong project management skills can help in leading teams and projects. Fourth, mastering computer-aided design (CAD) software increases efficiency. Finally, seeking promotions or moving to companies with higher pay scales can make a significant difference.

  1. Get advanced certifications in materials science.
  2. Gain experience in high-demand industries.
  3. Develop strong project management skills.
  4. Master computer-aided design (CAD) software.
  5. Seek promotions or higher-paying companies.

Currently 109 Materials Engineer job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Materials Engineer in the US?

Learn what a Materials Engineer does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Materials Engineer today.
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Materials Engineer
109 Job Openings