Materials Scientist
Research new materials for batteries, electronics and medicine.
- $117,790
- 4+ years of study
Science, Engineering & Lab career
Materials Engineer
Also called: Metallurgical Engineer · Materials Scientist · Polymer Engineer · Failure Analysis Engineer
What materials engineers do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a materials engineer do?
Materials engineers develop, process and test materials used to create a wide range of products, from computer chips and aircraft wings to golf clubs and biomedical devices. The median pay is $112,860 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 4-year engineering degree, and employment is projected to grow +7.5% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$112,860$54.26/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+7.5%2025–35, much faster than average
- Openings per year1,300Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationBachelor's degreeBLS classification
- Time to train4-year engineering degreeTypical program length
- U.S. jobs23,800Employment, 2025
What materials engineers do
Materials engineers make things stronger, lighter and longer-lasting. They select and develop materials, test properties, investigate failures, improve manufacturing processes and work on batteries, semiconductors, aircraft and medical devices.
A bachelor’s degree in materials science or engineering is required. BLS projects faster than average growth.
Typical duties
- Select materials
- Test properties
- Investigate failures
- Develop new materials
- Improve processes
- Write specs
- Support production
Work environment and schedule
Materials engineers work in labs, plants and offices.
Schedule: Full-time business hours.
A day in the life
- Review test results.
- Run a tensile test.
- Look at a fracture under SEM.
- Meet design engineers.
See a full day in the life of a materials engineer →
Materials Engineer salary
Half of materials engineers earned more than $112,860 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $72,300 for the lowest 10% to $175,720 for the top 10%.
Full materials engineer pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a materials engineer
- Earn a materials degree
- Do lab research
- Join as an engineer
- Specialize
- Advance
A bachelor’s degree in materials science, materials engineering or a related field is required.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a materials engineer →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Materials science
- Mechanical testing
- Microscopy
- Failure analysis
- Metallurgy
People skills
- Curiosity
- Problem-solving
- Communication
- Attention to detail
All materials engineer skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Faster-than-average growth
- High pay
- Cutting-edge materials
- Many industries
Cons
- Lab-heavy work
- Slow testing cycles
- Pressure on failures
- Specialized jobs
Certifications and licenses
- PE license: Optional.
- ASM certifications: Materials society.
- Six Sigma: Helpful.
- Master’s or Ph.D.: For research.
Career path
- Materials Engineer I: Entry.
- Materials Engineer: Own projects.
- Senior Engineer: Lead.
- Materials Manager: Lead labs.
Learn the job before day one
Our Materials Engineer training (12 hours, $109.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as investigate a part failure and run a tensile test, safety and how to land your first job.
Related careers
Chemical Engineer
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Heat Treating Operator
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Compare: Materials Engineer vs. Materials Scientist · Materials Engineer vs. Chemical Engineer · Materials Engineer vs. Mechanical Engineer · Materials Engineer vs. Heat Treating Operator
Materials Engineer FAQ
Is the field growing?
Yes, BLS projects faster than average growth.
Where do they work?
Aerospace, semiconductors, batteries, medical devices and more.
Do I need a Ph.D.?
Not for most industry roles.
How much does a materials engineer make?
The median annual wage for materials engineers was $112,860 ($54.26 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $72,300 and the highest 10% earned more than $175,720.
How long does it take to become a materials engineer?
Most people need about 4-year engineering degree of training. A bachelor’s degree in materials science, materials engineering or a related field is required.
Do you need a degree to be a materials engineer?
Usually, yes. BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education, although skills, certifications and experience can sometimes substitute.
More materials engineer questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 17-2131 (Materials engineers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Materials engineers (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.