Materials Engineer Salary in the United States
Based on 22K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$108,868
$52.34/hr
▲ 3.8% vs 2024Salary Range
$127K – $204K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
22K
workers nationwide
Materials Engineer salary in the United States averages $104,882 annually, reflecting competitive compensation for this specialized technical role. With approximately 22,380 workers employed in this field across the country, materials engineers command solid earning potential. Salaries range from $99,350 to $218,730, indicating significant variation based on individual circumstances and career progression.
Several factors influence Materials Engineer salary in the United States, including experience level, educational credentials, and geographic location. Industry sector matters considerably, as engineers in aerospace or semiconductor manufacturing often earn more than those in other sectors. Company size, specialized certifications, and demonstrated expertise in high-demand materials science areas can also substantially impact earning potential and career trajectory.
Salary Distribution — Materials Engineer
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $126,640 |
| 25th percentile | $160,340 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $108,868 |
| 75th percentile | $197,900 |
| 90th percentile | $204,400 |
Materials Engineer Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Materials Engineer
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Mexico | $165,600 | +52.1% | 450 |
| 2 | Maryland | $140,640 | +29.2% | 740 |
| 3 | Washington | $139,840 | +28.4% | 1K |
| 4 | Delaware | $131,320 | +20.6% | 40 |
| 5 | Louisiana | $128,670 | +18.2% | 90 |
| 6 | California | $128,470 | +18.0% | 3K |
| 7 | Illinois | $126,620 | +16.3% | 290 |
| 8 | New York | $125,900 | +15.6% | 590 |
| 9 | Colorado | $124,030 | +13.9% | 810 |
| 10 | Alaska | $123,360 | +13.3% | 70 |
Historical Salary Trend — Materials Engineer
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $94,212 |
| 2023 | $99,580 |
| 2024 | $104,882 |
| 2025 | $108,868 |
Materials Engineer Salary by Experience Level
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do materials engineers make per hour in the United States?
- Materials engineers earn a median hourly wage of $50/hour in the United States. This translates to an annual median salary of $104,882, with hourly rates varying based on experience, location, and employer.
What city pays materials engineers the most in the US?
- Washington offers the highest salary for materials engineers at $140,810 per year, which is significantly above the national median of $104,882. This makes Washington one of the most lucrative locations for this profession.
What is the salary range for a materials engineer in America?
- Materials engineers in the United States earn between $99,350 and $218,730 per year, depending on factors like experience, specialization, and geographic location. The median salary within this range is $104,882 annually.
How many materials engineers are employed in the United States?
- There are approximately 22,380 materials engineers currently employed in the United States. This represents the total workforce in this field across all industries and locations.