Median pay
$108,310
Median annual pay for Materials Engineers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Engineering and Architecture
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.
10-year growth
5.7%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings
1,500
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment
23,000
Estimated U.S. employment for Materials Engineers in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost
+1,300
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation
Bachelor's degree
Typical education needed to enter Materials Engineers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile
What the work involves
Strongest O*NET signals first.
Essential skills
- 1Active Listening
- 2Reading Comprehension
- 3Science
- 4Critical Thinking
- 5Mathematics
- 6Speaking
Knowledge areas
- 1Engineering and Technology
- 2Chemistry
- 3Physics
- 4Mathematics
- 5Production and Processing
- 6English Language
Abilities
- 1Category Flexibility
- 2Deductive Reasoning
- 3Inductive Reasoning
- 4Oral Comprehension
- 5Oral Expression
- 6Written Comprehension
Career interests
- 1Realistic
- 2Investigative
- 3Conventional
- 4Artistic
- 5Enterprising
- 6Social
Work styles
- 1Attention to Detail
- 2Innovation
- 3Dependability
- 4Intellectual Curiosity
- 5Cautiousness
- 6Achievement Orientation
Work activities
- 1Analyzing Data or Information
- 2Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- 3Getting Information
- 4Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- 5Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- 6Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Work context
- 1E-Mail
- 2Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- 3Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- 4Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- 5Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- 6Freedom to Make Decisions
Representative tasks
- Analyze product failure data and laboratory test results to determine causes of problems and develop solutions.
- Design and direct the testing or control of processing procedures.
- Monitor material performance, and evaluate its deterioration.
- Conduct or supervise tests on raw materials or finished products to ensure their quality.
- Evaluate technical specifications and economic factors relating to process or product design objectives.
- Modify properties of metal alloys, using thermal and mechanical treatments.
- Determine appropriate methods for fabricating and joining materials.
- Guide technical staff in developing materials for specific uses in projected products or devices.
Software and tools
Microsoft PowerPoint · in demandMicrosoft Office software · in demandMicrosoft Excel · in demandMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft Visio · hot technologyMicrosoft SharePoint · hot technologyThe MathWorks MATLAB · hot technologyMicrosoft Access · hot technologyMicrosoft Visual Basic · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyPython · hot technologySAP software · hot technology
Sources
BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.