How much does a Materials Engineer make?
Materials Engineers play a key role in creating and testing new materials. These professionals often work in manufacturing, construction, or technology sectors. Their salary can vary based on experience, education, and location. On average, a Materials Engineer makes about $107,449 per year. This is a good salary for the important work they do.
Let’s break down the earnings. The lowest-paid Materials Engineers, usually those just starting out, earn around $42,890. Those with more experience can earn up to $190,263 or more. Here’s how the pay scales break down:
- 10% earn $42,890 or less
- 25% earn between $42,890 and $72,365
- 50% earn between $72,365 and $131,314
- 75% earn between $131,314 and $175,525
- 90% earn $190,263 or less
What are the highest paying cities for a Materials Engineer?
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Tucson, AZ
Average Salary: $133,182
Tucson offers a thriving environment for those in materials engineering, with companies like Raytheon Technologies focusing on cutting-edge aerospace technologies. The city provides a mix of research opportunities and manufacturing roles.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $127,725
In Washington, DC, materials engineers benefit from a diverse job market. With institutions like the National Institute of Standards and Technology, professionals can engage in research that impacts national standards.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $127,171
San Jose's tech hub brings exciting opportunities for materials engineers. Companies like Intel and Apple provide roles in semiconductor and consumer electronics, making it a dynamic place to work.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $125,440
Seattle offers a strong market for materials engineers, with Boeing and Amazon expanding their aerospace and tech sectors. Professionals here find roles in research, design, and manufacturing.
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Denver, CO
Average Salary: $114,093
Denver provides a robust market for materials engineers, with a focus on aerospace and renewable energy. Companies like Lockheed Martin and Ball Corporation offer diverse career paths in these industries.
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Houston, TX
Average Salary: $113,950
Houston's energy sector offers many roles for materials engineers. With companies like ExxonMobil and Baker Hughes, professionals can find work in oil and gas technologies.
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Huntsville, AL
Average Salary: $110,798
Huntsville's aerospace industry makes it a prime location for materials engineers. Working with companies like NASA and Aerojet Rocketdyne, professionals can contribute to space exploration.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $109,506
San Diego provides a mix of military, aerospace, and biotech opportunities for materials engineers. Companies like General Dynamics and Qualcomm offer roles in cutting-edge research.
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Wichita, KS
Average Salary: $106,648
Wichita's aerospace industry is a major draw for materials engineers. Companies like Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems offer careers in aircraft manufacturing and materials innovation.
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Greensboro, NC
Average Salary: $95,669
Greensboro offers a balanced market for materials engineers, with roles in manufacturing and research. Companies like Siemens and PPG Industries provide opportunities in industrial applications.
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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 offers exciting Materials Engineer jobs in locations such as Cupertino, California, and Austin, Texas. Apple’s work focuses on innovative materials for cutting-edge products. This role involves developing and testing new materials for durability and performance.
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Kleinfelder
Average Salary: $172,790
Kleinfelder provides Materials Engineer positions in various cities across the U.S. Known for engineering, consulting, and management services, Kleinfelder requires Materials Engineers to develop materials for construction and infrastructure projects.
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Raytheon
Average Salary: $140,286
Raytheon offers Materials Engineer jobs in cities like El Segundo, California, and Tucson, Arizona. Raytheon focuses on defense, security, and civil markets. Materials Engineers here develop materials for aerospace and defense applications.
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Blue Origin
Average Salary: $124,954
Blue Origin offers Materials Engineer jobs in Kent, Washington. This company aims to enable a future where millions of people can live and work in space. Materials Engineers work on creating materials for spacecraft and launch vehicles.
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Tesla
Average Salary: $123,020
Tesla provides Materials Engineer positions in Fremont, California. Tesla focuses on sustainable energy solutions. Materials Engineers here develop materials for electric vehicles and energy products.
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General Atomics
Average Salary: $119,579
General Atomics offers Materials Engineer jobs in San Diego, California. Known for aerospace and defense technology, General Atomics requires Materials Engineers to develop materials for aircraft and defense systems.
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Northrop Grumman
Average Salary: $116,812
Northrop Grumman offers Materials Engineer jobs in Falls Church, Virginia. This company focuses on aerospace and defense technology. Materials Engineers work on developing materials for aircraft, spacecraft, and defense systems.
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Boeing
Average Salary: $108,718
Boeing provides Materials Engineer positions in cities like Seattle, Washington. Boeing focuses on aerospace and defense. Materials Engineers here develop materials for aircraft, spacecraft, and defense applications.
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Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Average Salary: $106,546
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory offers Materials Engineer jobs in Livermore, California. This lab focuses on national security and scientific research. Materials Engineers work on developing materials for national defense and scientific applications.
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Naval Nuclear Laboratory
Average Salary: $91,861
Naval Nuclear Laboratory offers Materials Engineer jobs in Washington, D.C. This organization focuses on naval nuclear propulsion. Materials Engineers here develop materials for nuclear-powered ships and submarines.
How to earn more as a Materials Engineer?
Materials Engineers can increase their earnings by focusing on several key areas. These areas require dedication and a commitment to professional development. With the right approach, Materials Engineers can significantly enhance their income potential.
First, gaining advanced degrees can lead to higher positions and salaries. A Master’s degree or a Ph.D. in Materials Science or a related field opens doors to specialized roles. These roles often come with higher pay. Second, obtaining professional certifications can boost earning potential. Certifications like Certified Materials Engineer (CME) or other industry-recognized credentials enhance credibility. They also make candidates more attractive to employers. Third, expanding industry-specific skills through training and workshops can make an engineer more valuable. Skills in areas like nanotechnology or advanced composites can command higher salaries.
Additionally, gaining experience in multiple industries can increase earning potential. Experience in both manufacturing and aerospace, for example, makes an engineer versatile. Employers often pay more for versatile talent. Finally, moving into leadership or management roles can lead to higher salaries. These roles involve overseeing projects and teams, which come with greater responsibilities and rewards.
- Advanced degrees
- Professional certifications
- Industry-specific skills
- Experience in multiple industries
- Leadership roles
