How much does a Materials Technician make?
Materials Technicians play a key role in various industries, ensuring that materials used meet specific standards and specifications. On average, a Materials Technician earns a yearly salary of $45,556. This provides a stable income for those in the field. Pay can vary based on experience, location, and industry.
The pay for Materials Technicians can range widely. The lowest 10% earn less than $32,860 annually, while the top 10% earn over $80,000 each year. Most technicians, around 50%, fall between $41,431 and $54,287. The highest paying industries include aerospace, automotive, and electronics. Job seekers can find better pay by choosing these sectors.
What are the highest paying cities for a Materials Technician?

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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $62,753
In San Diego, materials professionals thrive in a bustling tech hub with companies like Qualcomm and Northrop Grumman. They play a key role in ensuring quality and consistency in production processes. The city offers a vibrant community and beautiful beaches to enjoy outside of work.
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Wichita, KS
Average Salary: $56,620
Wichita is home to several major manufacturing companies like Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems. Materials technicians here focus on maintaining high standards of materials used in aerospace projects. The area provides a strong sense of community and a lower cost of living.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $55,019
Los Angeles offers materials specialists a dynamic environment with diverse industries such as entertainment and aerospace. Companies like SpaceX and Lockheed Martin rely on these experts to ensure materials meet rigorous standards. The city's entertainment industry also provides a lively social scene.
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Philadelphia, PA
Average Salary: $52,500
Philadelphia boasts a rich industrial history with companies like Johnson & Johnson and Boeing. Materials technicians here are crucial in the development and testing of pharmaceutical products and aerospace components. The city’s historical charm and cultural attractions add to its appeal.
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Milwaukee, WI
Average Salary: $49,389
In Milwaukee, materials experts support industries like manufacturing and logistics. Companies such as MillerCoors and Harley-Davidson benefit from their work. The city's strong sense of community and abundance of parks make it a pleasant place to live.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $47,936
Washington, DC, offers materials professionals a unique blend of industry and government sectors. Key employers like Lockheed Martin and NASA depend on their skills. The city's historical landmarks and cultural events provide a rich backdrop to professional life.
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Phoenix, AZ
Average Salary: $47,031
Phoenix is a growing hub for technology and manufacturing, with companies such as Intel and Honeywell. Materials technicians here are vital for maintaining high standards in semiconductor production and aerospace. The city's warm climate and outdoor activities make it an attractive location.
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Spokane, WA
Average Salary: $46,743
Spokane supports a robust materials industry through companies like Boeing and Inland Northwest Health Services. Technicians play a key role in ensuring the quality of materials used in aerospace and healthcare products. The area's natural beauty and outdoor opportunities enhance the lifestyle here.
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Chicago, IL
Average Salary: $46,643
Chicago is a powerhouse for materials technology, with major employers such as Boeing and Caterpillar. Professionals here focus on innovation and quality assurance in manufacturing and aerospace. The city’s diverse culture and numerous events offer a vibrant social scene.
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Colorado Springs, CO
Average Salary: $45,754
Colorado Springs offers a mix of military and aerospace industries, employing companies like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman. Materials specialists are integral in ensuring the durability and performance of critical systems. The city's scenic beauty and outdoor activities provide a high quality of life.
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What are the best companies a Materials Technician can work for?

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R4 Incorporated
Average Salary: $58,732
R4 Incorporated offers exciting opportunities for Materials Technicians. They work in diverse industries, including aerospace and defense. They operate in key locations such as the US and Europe, with projects in places like Seattle, Washington, and London, UK.
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Spirit AeroSystems
Average Salary: $55,989
Spirit AeroSystems is known for its work in aerospace. They provide Materials Technician jobs that focus on testing and quality assurance. They operate in key locations such as Wichita, Kansas, and Melbourne, Australia.
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Granite Construction
Average Salary: $48,279
Granite Construction works in civil engineering and construction. They offer roles that involve materials testing and analysis. They operate in key locations such as San Francisco, California, and Vancouver, Canada.
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Select Medical
Average Salary: $45,417
Select Medical focuses on healthcare. They offer Materials Technician jobs that involve ensuring the quality of medical materials. They operate in key locations such as Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and Columbus, Ohio.
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CVS Health
Average Salary: $44,902
CVS Health works in the pharmacy and healthcare sectors. They offer roles that focus on testing and verifying the quality of pharmaceutical materials. They operate in key locations such as Woonsocket, Rhode Island, and Austin, Texas.
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State of Missouri
Average Salary: $43,563
The State of Missouri offers public service jobs. They provide Materials Technician roles focused on infrastructure and materials quality. They operate in key locations such as Jefferson City, Missouri, and St. Louis, Missouri.
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UCHealth
Average Salary: $42,826
UCHealth is a healthcare provider. They offer Materials Technician jobs that involve ensuring the quality of medical equipment. They operate in key locations such as Aurora, Colorado, and Denver, Colorado.
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Colliers Engineering & Design
Average Salary: $42,556
Colliers Engineering & Design works in construction and engineering. They offer roles that involve materials testing and analysis. They operate in key locations such as Dallas, Texas, and Toronto, Canada.
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Hillis-Carnes Engineering Associates, Inc.
Average Salary: $39,586
Hillis-Carnes Engineering Associates, Inc. focuses on civil engineering. They offer Materials Technician jobs that involve ensuring the quality of construction materials. They operate in key locations such as Austin, Texas, and Charlotte, North Carolina.
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Construction Testing Services
Average Salary: $35,958
Construction Testing Services provides testing and quality assurance services. They offer roles that involve materials testing and analysis. They operate in key locations such as Tampa, Florida, and Los Angeles, California.
How to earn more as a Materials Technician?
Working as a Materials Technician offers many opportunities for growth and salary increases. To maximize earnings, consider these key factors:
Materials Technicians can increase their salaries by gaining more experience. With each project and role, a technician learns more about materials, processes, and industry standards. This knowledge can make a technician more valuable to an employer.
Certifications can also boost earning potential. Certifications in specific materials or technologies show a technician's commitment and expertise. They can lead to higher-paying positions and promotions.
Here are five factors to consider:
- Experience: Gain experience to become more valuable to employers.
- Certifications: Get certified in materials or technologies to boost earning potential.
- Education: Pursue higher education or specialized training in materials science.
- Networking: Build connections within the industry to discover higher-paying opportunities.
- Specialization: Focus on a niche within materials to become an expert and command higher wages.
Investing in these areas can lead to significant salary increases and career advancement as a Materials Technician.



