17-2131

Materials Engineers

Role Overview

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.

Recommended Majors

Ceramic Sciences and Engineering. Materials Engineering. Metallurgical Engineering. Textile Sciences and Engineering. Polymer/Plastics Engineering.

Related Careers

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians Aerospace Engineers Aerospace Engineers Agricultural Engineers Agricultural Engineers Architects, Except Landscape and Naval

Salary by State (top paying)

State	Median salary
Washington	$140,810
Maryland	$130,920
Delaware	$127,640
California	$127,550
Oregon	$127,360
New York	$121,980
Colorado	$121,430
Alaska	$120,540
Texas	$116,170
Wyoming	$114,370
Massachusetts	$111,030
South Carolina	$110,730
Alabama	$110,150
Tennessee	$108,670
Arizona	$108,260

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the job outlook for this career?

Projected growth and annual openings are from BLS Employment Projections. Use the sidebar for median salary and growth rate.

How does salary vary by state?

See the Salary by State table above for state-level median wages from OEWS data.

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), BLS Employment Projections.

Median Annual Salary

$108,310

Projected Growth (10yr)

+5.7%

Avg. annual openings

1.5k

Market Insight

Explore salary and growth data to understand demand and earning potential for this role.