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
$74K – $158K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
22K
workers nationwide
The median Materials Engineer salary in the United States is $108,868 annually, which translates to approximately $52 per hour. This figure reflects the typical earnings for professionals in this field, with a broad salary range from $74,458 to $158,087 per year.
Several factors can influence a Materials Engineer's compensation, including years of experience, specific industry, geographic location, and educational attainment. For instance, the top-paying state for Materials Engineers is New Mexico, offering a median salary of $165,600, significantly higher than the national average.
Salary Distribution — Materials Engineer
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $74,458 |
| 25th percentile | $88,234 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $108,868 |
| 75th percentile | $135,998 |
| 90th percentile | $158,087 |
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 |
Materials Engineer Salary by Industry
How much Materials Engineers earn across industries nationwide — Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) pays the most ($137,650 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $137,650 | +26.4% | 2K |
| 2 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $130,620 | +20.0% | 70 |
| 3 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $126,510 | +16.2% | 2K |
| 4 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $122,660 | +12.7% | 6K |
| 5 | Transportation and Warehousing | $118,890 | +9.2% | 130 |
| 6 | Manufacturing | $107,440 | -1.3% | 11K |
| 7 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $106,960 | -1.8% | 410 |
| 8 | Wholesale Trade | $105,410 | -3.2% | 600 |
| 9 | Utilities | $104,120 | -4.4% | 110 |
| 10 | Construction | $100,700 | -7.5% | 110 |
| 11 | Administrative and Support Services | $97,240 | -10.7% | 360 |
| 12 | Educational Services | $72,030 | -33.8% | 440 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Top H-1B Employers for Materials Engineer
Companies that filed the most H-1B applications for Materials Engineer roles, with their median base salary.
| # | Company | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Intel | $124,090 | 317 |
| 2 | Applied Materials | $154,367 | 38 |
| 3 | Apple | $152,256 | 38 |
| 4 | Western Digital Technologies | $144,200 | 8 |
| 5 | Samsung Austin Semiconductor | $115,000 | 8 |
| 6 | The University Of Chicago | $78,478 | 7 |
| 7 | Micron Technology | $137,911 | 7 |
| 8 | Purdue University | $59,142 | 5 |
Historical Salary Trend — Materials Engineer
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $94,212 |
| 2023 | $99,580 |
| 2024 | $104,882 |
| 2025 | $108,868 |
| 2026 (projected) | $113,005 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Materials Engineer Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $88,234 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $108,868 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $135,998 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $158,087 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Materials Engineer in the US?
- The median salary for a Materials Engineer in the United States is $108,868 per year. This median reflects the midpoint of salaries, with half of professionals earning more and half earning less, generally falling within the $74,458 to $158,087 range.
How much do Materials Engineers make in the top paying states?
- Materials Engineers can earn considerably more in certain locations, with New Mexico leading the way at an impressive $165,600 annually. This highlights significant regional pay disparities within the profession.
Is the Materials Engineer salary range wide?
- Yes, the salary range for Materials Engineers is quite broad, spanning from $74,458 for entry-level or lower-paying positions to $158,087 for more experienced or specialized roles. This range accounts for variations in skills, experience, and employer compensation.
What is the hourly rate for a Materials Engineer?
- Based on the median annual salary of $108,868, Materials Engineers typically earn around $52 per hour. This hourly rate provides a useful benchmark for understanding compensation on a more frequent basis.