Materials Engineer Salary Guide

Materials Engineers develop, test and improve materials (metals, polymers, ceramics, composites) used in products and manufacturing. They analyze material properties, design experiments, solve failure modes, support process scale-up, and collaborate with design, manufacturing and quality teams to ensure materials meet performance, cost and reliability requirements.

What is the average Materials Engineer salary?

Entry Level

$65,000 - $85,000

Mid Level

$85,000 - $115,000

Senior Level

$115,000 - $160,000

How does Materials Engineer salary grow with experience?

$65,000 - $80,000

0-2

$80,000 - $100,000

3-5

$100,000 - $130,000

6-9

$115,000 - $160,000++

10+

Base (min)

Top of range (max)

Max: $160k

Materials Engineer salary by location

San Francisco Bay Area / Silicon Valley$110,000 - $170,000

Seattle, WA$100,000 - $150,000

Boston / Cambridge, MA$95,000 - $145,000

Austin, TX$85,000 - $130,000

Houston, TX (Energy & Manufacturing)$80,000 - $125,000

Base (min)

Top of range (max)

What factors affect a Materials Engineer's salary?

Education & credentials (BS vs MS vs PhD)
Industry sector (semiconductors, aerospace, energy, automotive)
Geographic location and local cost of living
Specialized technical skills (composites, failure analysis, thin films)
Security clearance or export-control requirements

Frequently Asked Questions About Materials Engineer Salaries

How much does a Materials Engineer make on average in the US?

Average U.S. pay for Materials Engineers varies by level: entry $65k–85k, mid $85k–115k, and senior $115k–160k annually, depending on location and industry.

What factors most affect Materials Engineer salaries?

Key drivers are education and advanced degrees, industry sector (aerospace, semiconductors, energy), location, specialized skills (composites, failure analysis), and security clearance.

How does experience impact salary for Materials Engineers?

Salaries increase with experience: 0–2 years typically $65k–80k, 3–5 years $80k–100k, 6–9 years $100k–130k, and 10+ years $115k–160k, plus role scope and leadership.

Which industries pay Materials Engineers the most?

Highest-paying industries commonly include semiconductors, aerospace/defense, oil & gas/energy, and advanced manufacturing, often offering premiums for specialized skills or clearances.

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