Materials Engineers Salary in U.S. (2024)
The median pay for a materials engineers in U.S. is $108,310/year ($52.07/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $68K at the entry level to $172K for experienced workers.
Updated
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024
So what does $108K get you in U.S.?
About materials engineers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, U.S.
Entry-level materials engineers (10th percentile) start around $68K. Mid-career wages sit at $108K.Top earners bring in $172K or more - a $104K spread from bottom to top.
Materials Engineers pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $141K | +30% | 1,240 |
| Maryland | $131K | +21% | 960 |
| Delaware | $128K | +18% | 50 |
| California | $128K | +18% | 2,760 |
| Oregon | $127K | +18% | 90 |
| New York | $122K | +13% | 750 |
| Alaska | $121K | +11% | 70 |
| Texas | $116K | +7% | 1,730 |
| Wyoming | $114K | +6% | 40 |
| Massachusetts | $111K | +3% | 1,060 |
| South Carolina | $111K | +2% | 440 |
| Alabama | $110K | +2% | 660 |
| Tennessee | $109K | +0% | 550 |
| Arizona | $108K | -0% | 380 |
| Minnesota | $106K | -2% | 180 |
Track materials engineers salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when U.S. numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do materials engineers make in U.S.?
The median is $108,310 a year - that works out to about $52.07 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $68,040, and experienced materials engineers can clear $172,000. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $108K enough to live in U.S.?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $7,049/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,412/month, which eats 20% of your paycheck. That's under the 30% guideline most financial planners use, so the numbers work.
How far does a materials engineers salary go in U.S.?
U.S. has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median materials engineers salary is worth about $108,310 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do materials engineers get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.