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How much does a Materials Engineer make?

The average salary for a Materials Engineer is $106,116 per year in the US.

Materials Engineers play a key role in developing new materials and improving existing ones. They work in various industries, including aerospace, automotive, and electronics. Their work is vital for creating products that are more efficient, durable, and cost-effective. The average yearly salary for a Materials Engineer is around $106,116. This salary can vary based on experience, location, and industry.


The salary range for Materials Engineers can be quite broad. At the lower end, some engineers earn around $46,000 per year. As experience grows, salaries can increase significantly. Engineers with more than 15 years of experience can earn upwards of $189,318 annually. The highest earners in this field make over $203,650 per year. These figures highlight the potential for career growth and financial rewards in this profession.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Materials Engineer?

Materials Engineers in San Jose, CA, enjoy some of the highest salaries in the country. With an average salary of $129,326, this city offers excellent opportunities for those in the field. Other top-paying cities include Tucson, AZ, and Seattle, WA, where Materials Engineers can also expect competitive compensation.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Materials Engineer jobs, highlighting San Jose, CA with the highest at $129,326 and Greensboro, NC with the lowest at $95,669.
  1. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $129,326
    In San Jose, professionals thrive in a tech-driven environment. Companies like Intel and Apple offer exciting opportunities. The city's innovation hub makes it a great place to advance your career.
    Find Materials Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA


  2. Tucson, AZ
    Average Salary: $128,530
    Tucson boasts a strong aerospace industry. Working here means collaborating with top firms like Raytheon and Lockheed Martin. The city's vibrant community adds to the quality of life.
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  3. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $121,252
    Seattle is known for its tech giants. Engineers here work with companies like Boeing and Microsoft. The city's progressive culture and natural beauty make it an attractive place to live and work.
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  4. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $117,590
    Denver offers a mix of outdoor adventure and industry. Professionals can find jobs with companies like Lockheed Martin and Ball Aerospace. The city's growing tech scene provides many opportunities.
    Find Materials Engineer jobs in Denver, CO


  5. Houston, TX
    Average Salary: $116,629
    Houston is a hub for energy and aerospace. Engineers here work with companies like NASA and Halliburton. The city's diverse culture and affordable living make it a great place to work.
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  6. Austin, TX
    Average Salary: $113,614
    Austin is known for its tech and startup culture. Working here means collaborating with companies like Dell and Tesla. The city's vibrant music scene and outdoor activities enhance the work experience.
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  7. Huntsville, AL
    Average Salary: $109,206
    Huntsville is a key player in aerospace and defense. Engineers here work with companies like NASA and Airbus. The city's strong community and lower cost of living add to its appeal.
    Find Materials Engineer jobs in Huntsville, AL


  8. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $106,706
    San Diego offers a mix of biotech and defense industries. Professionals can find jobs with companies like Qualcomm and General Atomics. The city's beautiful beaches and mild climate make it a desirable place to live.
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  9. Phoenix, AZ
    Average Salary: $99,336
    Phoenix is a growing tech hub. Engineers here work with companies like Intel and Honeywell. The city's warm climate and expanding job market make it an attractive place to work.
    Find Materials Engineer jobs in Phoenix, AZ


  10. Greensboro, NC
    Average Salary: $95,669
    Greensboro offers a mix of manufacturing and tech industries. Professionals can find jobs with companies like IBM and Volvo. The city's rich history and affordable living make it a great place to work.
    Find Materials Engineer jobs in Greensboro, NC

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

Apple offers one of the highest salaries for Materials Engineers, with an average of $208,127. Kleinfelder follows closely, providing an average salary of $172,790. Raytheon also offers a competitive salary of $135,185 for these professionals. Other top-paying companies include Northrop Grumman, Amentum, and Tesla, all offering salaries above $120,000. Boeing, BWX Technologies, and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory also provide attractive compensation packages. These companies value skilled Materials Engineers and offer rewarding career opportunities.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Materials Engineer jobs, highlighting Apple with the highest at $208,127 and Naval Nuclear Laboratory with the lowest at $94,544.
  1. Apple
    Average Salary: $208,127
    Apple offers exciting opportunities for Materials Engineers. They work on innovative projects in locations like Cupertino, California, and Austin, Texas. Apple focuses on creating cutting-edge technology.


  2. Kleinfelder
    Average Salary: $172,790
    Kleinfelder provides Materials Engineer jobs with a focus on infrastructure and environmental projects. They operate in various locations across the United States, including Denver, Colorado, and San Francisco, California.


  3. Raytheon
    Average Salary: $135,185
    Raytheon is a leading defense and technology company. They offer Materials Engineer positions in locations like Waltham, Massachusetts, and Tucson, Arizona. Raytheon works on advanced defense systems.


  4. Northrop Grumman
    Average Salary: $124,661
    Northrop Grumman provides Materials Engineer jobs in aerospace and defense. They operate in locations like Falls Church, Virginia, and Redondo Beach, California. They focus on innovative defense technologies.


  5. Amentum
    Average Salary: $123,607
    Amentum offers Materials Engineer jobs with a focus on government and defense contracts. They operate in locations like Chantilly, Virginia, and San Antonio, Texas. They support critical national projects.


  6. Tesla
    Average Salary: $123,497
    Tesla provides exciting opportunities for Materials Engineers. They work on sustainable energy projects in locations like Fremont, California, and Austin, Texas. Tesla focuses on electric vehicles and renewable energy.


  7. Boeing
    Average Salary: $105,431
    Boeing offers Materials Engineer jobs in the aerospace industry. They operate in locations like Seattle, Washington, and St. Louis, Missouri. Boeing focuses on aircraft and defense systems.


  8. BWX Technologies
    Average Salary: $98,520
    BWX Technologies provides Materials Engineer jobs in the nuclear and defense sectors. They operate in locations like Lynchburg, Virginia, and Charleston, South Carolina. They focus on nuclear technology.


  9. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
    Average Salary: $96,505
    Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory offers Materials Engineer jobs in research and development. They operate in Livermore, California. They focus on national security and scientific research.


  10. Naval Nuclear Laboratory
    Average Salary: $94,544
    Naval Nuclear Laboratory provides Materials Engineer jobs in the nuclear sector. They operate in Washington, D.C. They focus on naval nuclear propulsion and research.

How to earn more as a Materials Engineer?

Materials Engineers have many ways to increase their earnings. They can focus on gaining more experience and skills. They can also look for opportunities in high-paying industries. Networking and staying updated with industry trends can open up new job opportunities. Seeking promotions and considering advanced degrees can also lead to higher salaries. Each of these steps can help a Materials Engineer earn more.

Here are some key factors to consider:

  1. Gain More Experience: Working in the field for several years can lead to higher pay. Experience makes an engineer more valuable to employers.
  2. Specialize in High-Demand Areas: Focusing on areas like nanotechnology or renewable materials can lead to higher-paying jobs. These areas often have more demand and better pay.
  3. Network and Build Connections: Connecting with other professionals can lead to job opportunities that pay more. Networking can also help find mentors who provide career advice.
  4. Stay Updated with Industry Trends: Keeping up with the latest developments can make an engineer more competitive. This knowledge can lead to higher-paying jobs and promotions.
  5. Pursue Advanced Degrees: Getting a master’s or Ph.D. can lead to higher salaries. Advanced degrees can open up more job opportunities and higher-paying positions.

Currently 141 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.
Position
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Materials Engineer
141 Job Openings