How to Become a Materials Engineers in California
Materials Engineers in California earn a median salary of $127,550/year, which is 18% above the national average. California has a state income tax of ~6.3%. After taxes and rent, a materials engineers takes home approximately $6,083/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.
What a materials engineers can afford in California
Becoming a materials engineers in California
Meet education requirements
Materials Engineers positions in California typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across California. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many materials engineers positions in California require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain California licensure or certification
California may require specific licensing or professional certification for materials engineerss. Requirements vary by state — contact the California Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in California
California employs 2,760 materials engineers. The highest concentrations are in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara and San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont.
Materials Engineers salary by metro area in California
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $151K | $72.72/hr | 480 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | $135K | $64.69/hr | 420 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom | $127K | $61.13/hr | 80 |
| Bakersfield-Delano | $126K | $60.38/hr | 40 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | $124K | $59.68/hr | 230 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | $120K | $57.49/hr | 1,160 |
| Stockton-Lodi | $115K | $55.41/hr | 30 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura | $114K | $54.74/hr | 40 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario | $106K | $51.01/hr | 80 |
Materials Engineers salary range in California
Materials Engineers careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a materials engineers make in California?▼
The median materials engineers salary in California is $127,550 per year ($61.32/hr). This is 18% above the national median of $108,310. Salaries range from $87,070 to $181,500.
What are the requirements to become a materials engineers in California?▼
Materials Engineers positions in California typically require Bachelor's degree. California may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the California licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a materials engineers afford to live in California?▼
At the median salary of $127,550, a materials engineers in California would take home approximately $7,495/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 18.8% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for materials engineers in California?▼
The highest paying metro areas for materials engineers in California are San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara ($151,260), San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont ($134,560), Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom ($127,140). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does California have state income tax for materials engineers?▼
Yes, California has a state income tax rate of approximately 6.3%. On a $127,550 salary, this means roughly $8,000/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.