Materials Engineer Salary in Alabama
Based on 650+ workers in Alabama
Median Annual Salary (AL)
$107,580
$51.72/hr
vs National Average
$108,868
-1.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$69K – $169K
650 employed in Alabama
Materials Engineer salary in Alabama averages $110,150 per year, positioning the state slightly above the national average at 5% higher. The state currently employs approximately 660 materials engineers across various industries. Salaries in this field range from $66,920 at the entry level to $164,530 for experienced professionals, reflecting the diverse opportunities available throughout Alabama.
Several factors influence Materials Engineer salary in Alabama, including years of experience, educational background, and industry sector. Engineers working in aerospace, automotive, or advanced manufacturing typically command higher compensation than those in smaller operations. Geographic location within the state, company size, and specialized certifications also play significant roles in determining individual earning potential in this technical field.
Salary Distribution — Materials Engineer in Alabama
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $69,260 |
| 25th percentile | $83,880 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $107,580 |
| 75th percentile | $137,620 |
| 90th percentile | $168,580 |
Top-Paying Industries for Materials Engineer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Materials Engineers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Materials Engineers in Alabama tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $137,650 | 2K |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $130,620 | 70 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $126,510 | 2K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $122,660 | 6K |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $118,890 | 130 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Materials Engineer in Alabama vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Alabama) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $99,910 |
| 2023 | $103,940 |
| 2024 | $110,150 |
| 2025 | $107,580 |
| 2026 (projected) | $107,580 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Alabama Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $99,910 | $94,212 |
| 2023 | $103,940 | $99,580 |
| 2024 | $110,150 | $104,882 |
| 2025 | $107,580 | $108,868 |
| 2026 (projected) | $107,580 | $108,868 |
Materials Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Alabama
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $83,880 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $107,580 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $137,620 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $168,580 |
Materials Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Materials Engineer Salaries in Alabama
How other high-demand occupations in Alabama compare to Materials Engineer ($107,580 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Materials Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in AL | $162,350 | +50.9% | $78.05/hr |
| Chemical Engineer in AL | $135,030 | +25.5% | $64.92/hr |
| Nuclear Engineer in AL | $132,570 | +23.2% | $63.74/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in AL | $127,540 | +18.6% | $61.32/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in AL | $125,630 | +16.8% | $60.40/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in AL | $102,650 | -4.6% | $49.35/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in AL | $100,230 | -6.8% | $48.19/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in AL | $99,880 | -7.2% | $48.02/hr |
| Civil Engineer in AL | $99,010 | -8.0% | $47.60/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in AL | $85,720 | -20.3% | $41.21/hr |
| Management Analyst in AL | $108,040 | +0.4% | $51.94/hr |
| Software Engineer in AL | $106,330 | -1.2% | $51.12/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do materials engineers make in Alabama?
- Materials engineers in Alabama earn a median salary of $110,150 per year, or $53 per hour. This is 5.0% higher than the national average for this position.
What is the salary range for materials engineers in Alabama?
- Materials engineers in Alabama have a salary range from $66,920 at the lower end to $164,530 at the higher end, depending on experience and qualifications.
Is the materials engineer salary in Alabama above the national average?
- Yes, Alabama's materials engineer median salary of $110,150 per year is 5.0% above the national average, making it a competitive market for this profession.
How many materials engineers are employed in Alabama?
- There are currently 660 materials engineers employed in Alabama, representing the total workforce for this occupation in the state.