How much does a materials engineer make?

The median pay is $54.26 per hour — roughly $113,000 a year, with the real range running from about $34.76/hr (10th percentile) to $84.48/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Do you need a degree to be a materials engineer?

The typical entry-level education is: Bachelor's degree. Overall preparation level: considerable preparation (Job Zone 4 of 5).

What does a materials engineer actually do all day?

Analyze product failure data and laboratory test results to determine causes of problems and develop solutions. Design and direct the testing or control of processing procedures. Monitor material performance, and evaluate its deterioration.

Engineering & Architecture

Materials Engineers

Evaluate materials and develop machinery and processes to manufacture materials for use in products that must meet specialized design and performance specifications. Develop new uses for known materials. Includes those engineers working with composite materials or specializing in one type of material, such as graphite, metal and metal alloys, ceramics and glass, plastics and polymers, and naturally occurring materials. Includes metallurgists and metallurgical engineers, ceramic engineers, and welding engineers.

What it pays
Materials Engineers earn a median of $54.26/hr — about $113,000 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $34.76/hr; the top 10% earn $84.48/hr. (Annual figures are approximate: hourly × 2,080.)

What you'd actually do

Analyze product failure data and laboratory test results to determine causes of problems and develop solutions.
Design and direct the testing or control of processing procedures.
Monitor material performance, and evaluate its deterioration.
Conduct or supervise tests on raw materials or finished products to ensure their quality.
Evaluate technical specifications and economic factors relating to process or product design objectives.
Modify properties of metal alloys, using thermal and mechanical treatments.

How you get there

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree. Overall preparation: considerable preparation (Job Zone 4 of 5).

The feel of the work

Much of the day is spent working solo. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)

Working for yourself

About 0% of materials engineers are self-employed.

Who it tends to fit

This work tends to fit people who are hands-on, analytical and organized and detail-focused.

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Quick questions

How much does a materials engineer make?: The median pay is $54.26 per hour — roughly $113,000 a year, with the real range running from about $34.76/hr (10th percentile) to $84.48/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Do you need a degree to be a materials engineer?: The typical entry-level education is: Bachelor's degree. Overall preparation level: considerable preparation (Job Zone 4 of 5).
What does a materials engineer actually do all day?: Analyze product failure data and laboratory test results to determine causes of problems and develop solutions. Design and direct the testing or control of processing procedures. Monitor material performance, and evaluate its deterioration.

Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS. Tasks & interests: O*NET. Career pathways shown in the app are draft archetypes — verify before relying on them. Trailhead is a free career guide for students — honest numbers, no hype.

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