How to Become a Materials Engineer
Develop and test the metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites that every other engineering field builds with. It typically requires a bachelor's degree, with a median salary of $112,860 per year and faster than average projected job growth.
Median pay
$112,860/yr
Job growth
5%
Openings / yr
1,500
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Materials Characterization
- Failure Analysis
- Science
- Mathematics
- Critical Thinking
Helpful certifications
- FE/PE (Professional Engineer)
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
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Work-life balance
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Stress level
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Satisfaction
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a Materials Engineer make?
The median pay for a Materials Engineer is $112,860 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become a Materials Engineer?
The usual entry point is a bachelor's degree. Common majors are Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering.
Is Materials Engineer a growing field?
The BLS projects faster than average demand for this role, about 5% over the decade, with roughly 1,500 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does a Materials Engineer use most?
Common skills for this role are Materials Characterization, Failure Analysis, Science, Mathematics, and Critical Thinking.
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.