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.
Also called: Automotive Sheet Metal Engineer, Ceramic Design Engineer, Ceramic Engineer, Ceramic Research Engineer, Ceramics Test Engineer, Characterization Engineer
Median pay
$112,860
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$72,300 – $175,720
People employed
22,770
Holland code
RIC
Realistic · Investigative · Conventional
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 2.Do you want the same hours every week?
Materials Engineers pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (45 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What materials engineers do
- 01Conduct or supervise tests on raw materials or finished products to ensure their quality.
- 02Review new product plans, and make recommendations for material selection, based on design objectives such as strength, weight, heat resistance, electrical conductivity, and cost.
- 03Evaluate technical specifications and economic factors relating to process or product design objectives.
- 04Solve problems in a number of engineering fields, such as mechanical, chemical, electrical, civil, nuclear, and aerospace.
- 05Plan and implement laboratory operations to develop material and fabrication procedures that meet cost, product specification, and performance standards.
- 06Analyze product failure data and laboratory test results to determine causes of problems and develop solutions.
Skills that matter most
- Writing
- Speaking
- Mathematics
- Science
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
Knowledge
- Engineering and Technology
- Mathematics
- Production and Processing
- Physics
- English Language
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Achievement Orientation
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a bachelor's degree (O*NET Job Zone 4).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from materials engineers
- Materials Scientists96% · +4%
- Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers77% · group pay
- Water Resource Specialists75% · group pay
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers75% · −10%
- Hydrologists73% · −14%
Change into materials engineers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Materials Scientists96% · $117,790
- Commercial and Industrial Designers80% · $83,910
- Chemists79% · $91,240
- Food Scientists and Technologists78% · $88,720
- Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians78% · $66,120
Majors that lead here
- Ceramic Sciences and Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Textile Sciences and Engineering
- Polymer/Plastics Engineering
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.