Materials Engineer Salary in Washington
Based on 1K+ workers in Washington
Median Annual Salary (WA)
$139,840
$67.23/hr
vs National Average
$108,868
+28.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$93K – $199K
1K employed in Washington
The Materials Engineer salary in Washington offers a competitive earning potential, with a median annual income of $139,840. This figure significantly outpaces the national average, standing at 28% higher. With approximately 1,000 professionals currently employed in this specialized field across the state, the demand and compensation reflect its importance.
Several factors contribute to the Materials Engineer salary in Washington, including years of experience, specific industry sector, and the employer's size and location within the state. Expertise in advanced materials, research and development, or specialized testing can command higher salaries. Similarly, working for aerospace or tech giants in areas like Seattle can often lead to compensation at the upper end of the $92,570 to $199,250 range.
Salary Distribution — Materials Engineer in Washington
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $92,570 |
| 25th percentile | $122,960 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $139,840 |
| 75th percentile | $176,290 |
| 90th percentile | $199,250 |
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 Washington 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 Washington vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Washington) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $134,030 |
| 2023 | $125,090 |
| 2024 | $140,810 |
| 2025 | $139,840 |
| 2026 (projected) | $139,840 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Washington Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $134,030 | $94,212 |
| 2023 | $125,090 | $99,580 |
| 2024 | $140,810 | $104,882 |
| 2025 | $139,840 | $108,868 |
| 2026 (projected) | $139,840 | $108,868 |
Materials Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Washington
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $122,960 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $139,840 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $176,290 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $199,250 |
Materials Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Materials Engineer Salaries in Washington
How other high-demand occupations in Washington compare to Materials Engineer ($139,840 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Materials Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in WA | $189,680 | +35.6% | $91.19/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in WA | $158,370 | +13.3% | $76.14/hr |
| Petroleum Engineer in WA | $134,800 | -3.6% | $64.81/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in WA | $132,710 | -5.1% | $63.80/hr |
| Nuclear Engineer in WA | $129,480 | -7.4% | $62.25/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in WA | $129,050 | -7.7% | $62.04/hr |
| Chemical Engineer in WA | $128,290 | -8.3% | $61.68/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in WA | $125,460 | -10.3% | $60.32/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in WA | $110,430 | -21.0% | $53.09/hr |
| Civil Engineer in WA | $110,000 | -21.3% | $52.88/hr |
| Marine Engineer in WA | $109,550 | -21.7% | $52.67/hr |
| Physicist in WA | $134,790 | -3.6% | $64.80/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Materials Engineer in Washington?
- The median salary for a Materials Engineer in Washington is $139,840 per year, which translates to approximately $67 per hour. This is 28.4% higher than the national average salary for the same role.
How much can a Materials Engineer in Washington expect to earn?
- Materials Engineers in Washington typically earn between $92,570 and $199,250 annually. The median salary sits comfortably in the middle of this range at $139,840 per year.
Is the demand for Materials Engineers high in Washington?
- Yes, there are approximately 1,000 Materials Engineers employed in Washington. This indicates a solid job market for professionals in this field within the state.
What is the hourly wage for Materials Engineers in Washington?
- Materials Engineers in Washington earn a median hourly wage of $67. This reflects a strong earning potential, with the annual median salary reaching $139,840.