Evaluate materials and develop machinery and processes to manufacture materials for use in products that must meet specialized design and performance specifications. Develop new uses for known materials. Includes those engineers working with composite materials or specializing in one type of material, such as graphite, metal and metal alloys, ceramics and glass, plastics and polymers, and naturally occurring materials. Includes metallurgists and metallurgical engineers, ceramic engineers, and welding engineers.
Materials Engineers
SOC: 17-2131 O*NET: 17-2131.00
Median Salary
$108,310
per year
Job Growth
📈 5.7%
Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
1.5
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Job Zone 4
Evaluate materials and develop machinery and processes to manufacture materials for use in products that must meet specialized design and performance specifications. Develop new uses for known materials. Includes those engineers working with composite materials or specializing in one type of material, such as graphite, metal and metal alloys, ceramics and glass, plastics and polymers, and naturally occurring materials. Includes metallurgists and metallurgical engineers, ceramic engineers, and welding engineers.
Overview
Compensation & Benefits
Salary Distribution by Percentile
Understanding where you might fall in the salary range based on experience and location.
10th
$64,986
25th
$86,648
50th (Median)
$108,310
75th
$129,972
90th
$162,465
Percentile Explained: If you're in the 75th percentile, you earn more than 75% of workers in this occupation. Entry-level positions typically fall in the 10th-25th percentile range, while experienced professionals often reach the 75th-90th percentile.
Typical Benefits Package
Health & Wellness
- ✓Health Insurance
- ✓Dental Insurance
- ✓Vision Insurance
- ✓Mental Health Support
- ✓Wellness Programs
Financial Benefits
- ✓401(k) Retirement Plan
- ✓Employer Match (typically 3-6%)
- ✓Profit Sharing
- ✓Stock Options
- ✓Performance Bonuses
Work-Life Balance
- ✓Paid Time Off (15-25 days)
- ✓Paid Sick Leave
- ✓Flexible Work Arrangements
- ✓Remote Work Options
- ✓Parental Leave
Professional Development
- ✓Tuition Reimbursement
- ✓Professional Certifications
- ✓Conference Attendance
- ✓Training Programs
- ✓Mentorship Opportunities
Note: Benefits vary widely by employer, company size, and location. Large corporations and tech companies often offer more comprehensive packages, while small businesses may offer fewer benefits but more flexibility. Always review the complete compensation package, not just base salary.
Job Market Intelligence
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:23,000
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+5.7%
Annual Openings:1,500
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)23,000
Current
2034 (Projected)24,300
+5.7%
+1,300
Employment Change
+5.7%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
Top Skills
✓
Complex Problem Solving
Complex Problem Solving
✓
Science
Science
✓
Active Listening
Active Listening
✓
Reading Comprehension
Reading Comprehension
✓
Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking
✓
Speaking
Speaking
✓
Mathematics
Mathematics
✓
Writing
Writing
✓
Active Learning
Active Learning
✓
Judgment and Decision Making
Judgment and Decision Making
Key Knowledge Areas
✓
Engineering and Technology
✓
Chemistry
✓
Physics
✓
Mathematics
✓
Production and Processing
✓
English Language
✓
Design
✓
Computers and Electronics
✓
Mechanical
✓
Customer and Personal Service
Education & Training
Education Required
Bachelor's degree or higher
Experience Required
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
Job Training
Significant preparation with related work experience