Materials Engineer Salary 2025: $112,860 Median, 5.7% Job Growth
Materials engineers earned a median salary of $112,860 in 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The top 10% pulled in over $175,720 while the bottom 10% made $72,300. With only 22,770 jobs nationwide and a projected growth rate of 5.7% (faster than average) from 2024 to 2034, it's a small but well-compensated field.
How much Materials Engineers earn
The national median salary for materials engineers is $112,860. The mean annual wage is $120,250, which works out to roughly $54 per hour. Typical pay ranges from $72,300 at the 10th percentile to $175,720 at the 90th.
Experience and industry play a major role. Materials engineers in aerospace or semiconductor manufacturing often earn well above the median. Government jobs may offer lower pay but better benefits.
Pay by state
Where you work matters. New Mexico pays the highest average salary for materials engineers at $165,600, followed by Maryland ($140,640), Washington ($139,840), Delaware ($131,320), and Louisiana ($128,670).
On the low end, Mississippi averages $78,700, Montana $76,030, and Iowa $64,270. Cost of living differences don't fully account for these gaps — the states with high pay tend to have large aerospace, defense, or tech employers.
How to become a Materials Engineer
The standard path starts with a bachelor’s degree in materials science and engineering or a related engineering discipline. Many employers prefer graduates from programs accredited by ABET. A master's degree can open doors to R&D or senior roles.
- Earn a bachelor’s degree in materials engineering or a related field (ABET accredited).
- Gain experience through internships or co-op programs during college.
- Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam to become an engineer in training (EIT).
- After four years of experience, take the Professional Engineering (PE) exam to become licensed.
- Consider a master’s or PhD for research-intensive or leadership positions.
Job outlook
Employment of materials engineers is projected to grow 5.7% from 2024 to 2034, about 1,500 openings per year. That’s faster than the average for all occupations. Most openings will come from retirement and turnover, but new demand is driven by advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, and biomedical materials.
Growth will be strongest in industries developing lightweight materials for vehicles, high-performance composites, and sustainable packaging. Geographic flexibility helps — states with growing tech and manufacturing sectors offer the best prospects.
Frequently asked questions
What is the salary for a materials engineer in 2025?
The median salary is $112,860. The typical range is $72,300 to $175,720, and the mean is $120,250.
How long does it take to become a materials engineer?
A bachelor's degree takes four years. After that, passing the FE exam and gaining four years of experience qualifies you for PE licensure.
What is the job growth for materials engineers?
The BLS projects 5.7% growth from 2024 to 2034, faster than average, with about 1,500 openings per year.
Which state pays materials engineers the most?
New Mexico tops the list with an average salary of $165,600, followed by Maryland ($140,640) and Washington ($139,840).
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Materials Engineers data.