How much does a Materials Engineer make?
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.
What are the highest paying cities for a Materials Engineer?

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

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
- Gaining experience
- Pursuing advanced education
- Networking with professionals
- Developing key skills
- Specializing in specific areas



