How much does a Materials Engineer make?
Materials Engineers play a key role in developing new materials and improving existing ones. They work in various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and electronics. Their work helps create products that are stronger, lighter, and more durable. The average yearly salary for a Materials Engineer is around $105,212. This salary can vary based on experience, location, and industry.
The salary range for Materials Engineers can be quite broad. Entry-level positions may start at around $48,000 per year. As experience grows, salaries can increase significantly. For those with more than 10 years of experience, salaries can reach up to $192,500 per year. This wide range shows the potential for growth in this field. It also highlights the value that experienced Materials Engineers bring to their companies.
What are the highest paying cities for a Materials Engineer?

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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $134,736
In San Jose, you can find many tech companies where innovation is key. Engineers here work on cutting-edge materials for electronics and software. Companies like Intel and Apple offer exciting opportunities.
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Tucson, AZ
Average Salary: $127,412
Tucson is a hub for aerospace and defense. Engineers here develop materials that can withstand extreme conditions. Raytheon and Lockheed Martin are prominent employers in the area.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $121,883
Seattle offers a mix of tech and maritime industries. Engineers here focus on materials that improve efficiency and durability. Companies like Boeing and Microsoft are leaders in the field.
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Denver, CO
Average Salary: $114,309
Denver's energy sector drives demand for materials engineers. They work on materials that enhance energy efficiency and sustainability. Xcel Energy and Black & Veatch are key employers.
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Austin, TX
Average Salary: $113,614
Austin is known for its tech and startup culture. Engineers here innovate in materials for electronics and software. Companies like Dell and Tesla offer dynamic career paths.
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Houston, TX
Average Salary: $113,381
Houston's energy industry is a major employer. Engineers here develop materials for oil and gas. Companies like ExxonMobil and Chevron provide many opportunities.
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Huntsville, AL
Average Salary: $111,306
Huntsville is a center for aerospace and defense. Engineers here create materials that meet high-performance standards. NASA and Redstone Arsenal are key players.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $111,138
San Diego's biotech and defense sectors need skilled engineers. They work on materials for medical devices and military applications. Companies like Qualcomm and General Atomics are prominent.
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Albuquerque, NM
Average Salary: $109,091
Albuquerque has a strong focus on energy and aerospace. Engineers here develop materials for renewable energy and space exploration. Sandia National Labs is a major employer.
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Baltimore, MD
Average Salary: $99,436
Baltimore offers a mix of healthcare and defense industries. Engineers here innovate in materials for medical devices and military equipment. Johns Hopkins and Lockheed Martin are key employers.
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What are the best companies a Materials Engineer can work for?

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Apple
Average Salary: $205,734
Apple is known for its innovation in technology and materials. Materials Engineers work on developing new materials for Apple's products. They operate in locations like Cupertino, California, and other global offices.
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Kleinfelder
Average Salary: $154,924
Kleinfelder offers exciting opportunities for Materials Engineers. They focus on infrastructure projects. The company operates in various locations across the United States.
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Raytheon
Average Salary: $132,267
Raytheon provides Materials Engineers with chances to work on advanced defense systems. They have offices in many states, including Massachusetts and Texas.
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Tesla
Average Salary: $131,355
Tesla is a leader in electric vehicles and renewable energy. Materials Engineers here work on cutting-edge materials. They operate in locations like Fremont, California, and other sites.
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Northrop Grumman
Average Salary: $128,688
Northrop Grumman offers Materials Engineers roles in aerospace and defense. They work on high-tech materials for military applications. The company has offices in several states, including Virginia and California.
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Blue Origin
Average Salary: $123,956
Blue Origin is pioneering space exploration. Materials Engineers here develop materials for spacecraft. They operate in Kent, Washington, and other locations.
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Amentum
Average Salary: $123,256
Amentum provides Materials Engineers with roles in defense and technology. They work on various projects across the United States.
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Boeing
Average Salary: $114,278
Boeing offers Materials Engineers positions in aerospace and defense. They work on aircraft and space materials. The company has offices in many states, including Washington and California.
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BWX Technologies
Average Salary: $99,117
BWX Technologies provides Materials Engineers with roles in nuclear energy. They work on materials for nuclear reactors. The company operates in Virginia and other locations.
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Naval Nuclear Laboratory
Average Salary: $94,666
The Naval Nuclear Laboratory offers Materials Engineers roles in nuclear technology. They work on materials for naval nuclear power. The lab is located in Idaho.
How to earn more as a Materials Engineer?
Materials Engineers have many opportunities to increase their earnings. They can do this by gaining more experience, getting advanced degrees, and learning new skills. Each of these steps can lead to higher-paying jobs and more responsibility.
Here are some ways to earn more as a Materials Engineer:
- Get Advanced Degrees: Earning a master’s or Ph.D. can lead to higher salaries. These degrees show a deeper understanding of materials science.
- Gain Experience: Working in the field for several years builds expertise. Experienced engineers often earn more than those just starting out.
- Learn New Skills: Adding skills like computer programming or project management can make an engineer more valuable. These skills can lead to higher-paying positions.
- Specialize in a Field: Focusing on a specific area, like nanotechnology or biomaterials, can open up niche job opportunities. These positions often pay more due to the specialized knowledge required.
- Seek Certifications: Earning certifications in areas like quality control or safety management can boost earning potential. These credentials show a commitment to professional development.