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How much does a Materials Engineer make?

The average salary for a Materials Engineer is $108,606 per year in the US.

Materials Engineers play a crucial role in developing and testing new materials. These professionals can find rewarding careers in many industries, including automotive, aerospace, and electronics. The average yearly salary for a Materials Engineer stands at $108,606, providing a solid income.


Salary can vary based on experience and location. Entry-level engineers may start around $42,000, while those with more experience can earn upwards of $190,182 per year. Top earners in the field can reach $205,000 annually. This range shows that there are many opportunities for career growth and higher earnings as experience and expertise grow.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Materials Engineer?

San Jose, CA, offers the highest average salary for Materials Engineers at $134,787. Tucson, AZ, follows closely with an average salary of $131,674. These cities present great opportunities for those in the field. Washington, DC, and Seattle, WA, also provide attractive salaries, with averages of $127,725 and $125,525, respectively. Denver, CO, and Houston, TX, round out the top six with salaries of $114,093 and $112,756. Job seekers should consider these cities for their strong market demand and competitive pay.
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, tech giants like Apple and Intel need experts in new materials. Opportunities here are many, with Silicon Valley's demand for innovation. The high salary helps make up for the fast-paced environment.
    Find Materials Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA


  2. Tucson, AZ
    Average Salary: $131,674
    Tucson offers a mix of aerospace and defense jobs. Companies like Raytheon and Boeing look for skilled engineers. The desert climate and lower cost of living can make it attractive.
    Find Materials Engineer jobs in Tucson, AZ


  3. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $127,725
    DC's defense and aerospace industries need materials experts. Working with companies like Lockheed Martin offers a chance to contribute to national security. The cost of living is high, but so are the opportunities.
    Find Materials Engineer jobs in Washington, DC


  4. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $125,525
    Seattle's tech scene is booming, with Amazon and Boeing looking for talent. The city's focus on innovation and sustainability drives demand for materials engineers. The pay is good, and the lifestyle is appealing.
    Find Materials Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA


  5. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $114,093
    Denver offers a growing job market for materials experts. Companies like Lockheed Martin and Ball Aerospace are hiring. The outdoors lifestyle and reasonable cost of living make it a great choice.
    Find Materials Engineer jobs in Denver, CO


  6. Houston, TX
    Average Salary: $112,756
    Houston's energy sector needs materials engineers. Working with companies like BP and Halliburton offers exciting projects. The city's diversity and warm weather add to the appeal.
    Find Materials Engineer jobs in Houston, TX


  7. Huntsville, AL
    Average Salary: $111,356
    Huntsville's defense industry, led by companies like Airbus and NASA, offers many opportunities. The lower cost of living and family-friendly environment make it a good place to work.
    Find Materials Engineer jobs in Huntsville, AL


  8. Wichita, KS
    Average Salary: $109,030
    Wichita is known for its aerospace industry. Companies like Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems look for skilled engineers. The cost of living is low, and the community is welcoming.
    Find Materials Engineer jobs in Wichita, KS


  9. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $108,342
    San Diego offers a mix of defense and tech jobs. Companies like General Atomics and Qualcomm need experts. The beautiful weather and coastal lifestyle make it a great place to live and work.
    Find Materials Engineer jobs in San Diego, CA


  10. Greensboro, NC
    Average Salary: $95,669
    Greensboro's manufacturing and tech sectors are growing. Companies like Tesla and Siemens need materials engineers. The cost of living is low, and the city is easy to get around.
    Find Materials Engineer jobs in Greensboro, NC

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

Materials engineers can find high-paying jobs with major companies like Apple, Kleinfelder, and Amazon.com. Apple offers an average salary of $208,054, Kleinfelder pays $172,790, and Amazon.com provides $153,690. These companies lead in providing excellent compensation packages for their materials engineering teams. Further down the list, Raytheon, Blue Origin, and General Atomics also pay well, offering average salaries around $120,000 to $130,000. Companies like Tesla, Northrop Grumman, Boeing, and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory also provide solid salaries for materials engineers.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Materials Engineer jobs, highlighting Apple with the highest at $208,054 and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory with the lowest at $106,926.
  1. Apple
    Average Salary: $208,054
    Apple is known for its innovation and cutting-edge technology. Materials Engineers at Apple develop advanced materials for devices like iPhones and MacBooks. They work in locations such as Cupertino, California, and other offices around the world.


  2. Kleinfelder
    Average Salary: $172,790
    Kleinfelder is a leader in infrastructure and environmental consulting. Materials Engineers here focus on sustainable materials and innovative designs for construction projects. They operate across various states in the U.S. and internationally.


  3. Amazon.com
    Average Salary: $153,690
    At Amazon, Materials Engineers design and test materials for various products and logistics solutions. They play a key role in improving product durability and efficiency. Amazon has facilities in many locations, including Seattle, Washington.


  4. Raytheon
    Average Salary: $131,556
    Raytheon specializes in defense and aerospace technologies. Materials Engineers work on developing high-performance materials for military applications. They operate in several states and are headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts.


  5. Blue Origin
    Average Salary: $124,954
    Blue Origin focuses on space exploration and aims to make space travel accessible. Materials Engineers at Blue Origin develop materials for spacecraft. They are based in Kent, Washington, and other locations.


  6. General Atomics
    Average Salary: $122,261
    General Atomics works on advanced technologies for defense and energy. Materials Engineers create materials for drones and other cutting-edge projects. They operate in San Diego, California.


  7. Tesla
    Average Salary: $121,924
    Tesla is an innovator in electric vehicles and energy solutions. Materials Engineers here develop materials to improve battery efficiency and vehicle performance. They have facilities in Palo Alto, California.


  8. Northrop Grumman
    Average Salary: $116,843
    Northrop Grumman is a major player in defense and aerospace. Materials Engineers work on projects ranging from aircraft to space missions. They operate in many locations, including Falls Church, Virginia.


  9. Boeing
    Average Salary: $108,718
    Boeing is a leader in aircraft manufacturing and aerospace. Materials Engineers contribute to designing and testing materials for commercial and military aircraft. They have facilities in Seattle, Washington.


  10. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
    Average Salary: $106,926
    This laboratory focuses on national security and scientific research. Materials Engineers here work on materials for national defense and scientific experiments. They are located in Livermore, California.

How to earn more as a Materials Engineer?

A Materials Engineer can find several ways to increase their earnings. With the right steps, they can earn more in this field. Experience is one of the key factors. The more a Materials Engineer works, the more they know. This knowledge often leads to higher-paying jobs. Another factor is education. Getting advanced degrees can open doors to better-paying roles. Certifications in specialized areas also help. Engineers who get these certifications often find higher-paying jobs.

Networking plays a big role too. By connecting with other professionals, a Materials Engineer can learn about better opportunities. Attending industry events and joining professional groups can lead to job offers. The right skills can also make a difference. Engineers who master computer-aided design (CAD) software or who know how to analyze materials can earn more. Specializations in certain materials, like metals or polymers, can also lead to higher pay. Taking on leadership roles and managing projects can also increase earnings. These are just a few ways a Materials Engineer can earn more.

To summarize, earning more as a Materials Engineer involves:

  1. Gaining experience
  2. Pursuing advanced education
  3. Networking with professionals
  4. Developing key skills
  5. Specializing in specific areas

Currently 178 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
178 Job Openings