Materials Engineer Salary in California
Based on 3K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$128,470
$61.76/hr
vs National Average
$108,868
+18.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$82K – $184K
3K employed in California
Materials Engineer salary in California averages $128,470 per year, representing a solid compensation level for professionals in this field. With approximately 3,020 materials engineers employed across the state, California offers competitive wages that run 18 percent above the national average, reflecting the state's strong demand for technical expertise and high cost of living.
Salary for materials engineers in California typically ranges from $82,460 to $183,880 annually, depending on factors such as years of experience, educational background, employer size, and industry sector. Engineers working in aerospace, semiconductor manufacturing, or research institutions often command higher compensation than those in smaller firms, while location within California and advanced certifications can also significantly influence earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Materials Engineer in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $82,460 |
| 25th percentile | $103,250 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $128,470 |
| 75th percentile | $157,980 |
| 90th percentile | $183,880 |
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 California 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 California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $105,180 |
| 2023 | $118,270 |
| 2024 | $127,550 |
| 2025 | $128,470 |
| 2026 (projected) | $129,397 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $105,180 | $94,212 |
| 2023 | $118,270 | $99,580 |
| 2024 | $127,550 | $104,882 |
| 2025 | $128,470 | $108,868 |
| 2026 (projected) | $129,397 | $109,653 |
Materials Engineer Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $103,250 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $128,470 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $157,980 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $183,880 |
Materials Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Materials Engineer Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Materials Engineer ($128,470 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Materials Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in CA | $210,280 | +63.7% | $101.10/hr |
| Nuclear Engineer in CA | $172,400 | +34.2% | $82.88/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in CA | $157,620 | +22.7% | $75.78/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in CA | $144,040 | +12.1% | $69.25/hr |
| Petroleum Engineer in CA | $143,590 | +11.8% | $69.03/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in CA | $130,900 | +1.9% | $62.93/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in CA | $130,410 | +1.5% | $62.70/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in CA | $128,310 | -0.1% | $61.69/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in CA | $124,600 | -3.0% | $59.90/hr |
| Civil Engineer in CA | $122,500 | -4.6% | $58.89/hr |
| Marine Engineer in CA | $110,700 | -13.8% | $53.22/hr |
| Computer Systems Analyst in CA | $127,720 | -0.6% | $61.40/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do materials engineers make in California?
- Materials engineers in California earn a median salary of $128,470 per year, or $62 per hour. This is 18.0% higher than the national average, making California one of the more lucrative states for this profession.
What is the salary range for materials engineers in California?
- Materials engineer salaries in California range from $82,460 at the lower end to $183,880 at the higher end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location within the state, and employer size.
Is a materials engineer salary in California above the national average?
- Yes, materials engineers in California earn 18.0% more than the national average. The median salary of $128,470 in California significantly outpaces typical earnings for this role across the United States.
How many materials engineers are employed in California?
- There are approximately 3,020 materials engineers employed in California. This represents a substantial workforce in the state's engineering sector, particularly in industries like aerospace, manufacturing, and technology.