As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for an Expert Materials Engineer in the United States is $152,900 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $74.
However, an Expert Materials Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Expert Materials Engineer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Expert Materials Engineer's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Intermediate Materials Engineer | 2-4 years | $90,410 |
| Materials Evaluation and Analysis Engineer III | 4-7 years | $102,342 |
| Materials Evaluation and Analysis Engineer IV | 7+ years | $124,919 |
| Expert Materials Engineer | 7-10 years | $152,836 |
| Materials Evaluation and Analysis Manager | 10+ years | $141,424 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Expert Materials Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 17.06% |
| Economics | 1.76% |
| Continuous Improvement | 1.18% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
SEM
|
$220,176 |
44%
|
|
Failure Analysis
|
$198,770 |
30%
|
|
Production Process
|
$197,241 |
29%
|
|
Economics
|
$191,125 |
25%
|
|
Quality Management
|
$185,009 |
21%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$181,951 |
19%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Expert Materials Engineers enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Expert Materials Engineer with a Bachelor's Degree is between $167,512 and $176,612).
Expert Materials Engineer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 2.5% |
| High School | 24.1% |
| Associates | 2.5% |
| Bachelors | 24.1% |
| Masters | 29.1% |
| Doctorate | 44.3% |
Understanding how an Expert Materials Engineer's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on April 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Expert Materials Engineer, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Materials Evaluation and Analysis Manager | $141,500 | -7% |
| Alloy and Materials Engineering Supervisor | $129,100 | -16% |
Salaries for an Expert Materials Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $149,777 in 2023 to around $147,514 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Expert Materials Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $149,777 |
| 2024 | $148,822 |
| 2025 | $147,514 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The highest-paying jobs in the USA include roles such as physicians, surgeons, and specialized engineers. For instance, an Expert Materials Engineer can expect a salary range from $160,000 to $194,000, with a median salary of $176,300. This highlights the lucrative opportunities available in engineering and healthcare professions.
Materials engineers typically earn an annual salary ranging from $160,000 to $194,000, with a median salary of approximately $176,300. This compensation reflects the expertise and experience required in the field, and salaries may vary based on factors such as location and industry.
The highest package for an Expert Materials Engineer is approximately $194,000. The salary range typically starts at $160,000, with a mid-level salary around $176,300. This reflects the competitive compensation in the field, particularly for top-tier institutions and experienced professionals.
Yes, materials engineers are in demand. Employment is projected to grow 7% from 2023 to 2033, which is faster than the average for all occupations. On average, about 1,700 openings for materials engineers are expected each year. With a salary range from $160,000 to $194,000, this field offers competitive compensation for skilled professionals.
The highest-paid engineering role in the USA is the Expert Materials Engineer, with a salary range from $160,000 to $194,000. This positions them among the top earners in the engineering field, surpassing other roles like Mechanical and Environmental Engineers, which have median salaries around $96,000 to $99,000.
Engineers, particularly in specialized fields like materials engineering, typically earn between $160,000 and $194,000 annually. While some may reach higher salaries, such as $250,000 to $300,000, this is generally reserved for top-tier positions or leadership roles. If you have the right skills and experience, there are opportunities for competitive compensation.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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