As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for an Intermediate Materials Engineer in the United States is $90,500 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $44.
However, an Intermediate Materials Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Intermediate 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 Intermediate 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Materials Engineer | 0-2 years | $76,552 |
| Intermediate Materials Engineer | 2-4 years | $90,413 |
| Materials Evaluation and Analysis Engineer III | 4-7 years | $102,346 |
| Materials Evaluation and Analysis Engineer IV | 7+ years | $124,915 |
| Expert Materials Engineer | 7-10 years | $152,839 |
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 Intermediate 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 |
|---|---|---|
|
Process Development
|
$98,645 |
9%
|
|
Failure Analysis
|
$98,645 |
9%
|
|
Casting
|
$97,740 |
8%
|
|
Statistical Analysis
|
$97,740 |
8%
|
|
Mechanical Engineering
|
$97,740 |
8%
|
|
Sustainability
|
$97,740 |
8%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Intermediate 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 Intermediate Materials Engineer with a Bachelor's Degree is between $90,015 and $94,863).
Intermediate Materials Engineer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.9% |
| High School | 0.9% |
| Associates | 44.7% |
| Bachelors | 43.9% |
| Masters | 44.7% |
| Doctorate | 10.5% |
Understanding how an Intermediate 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 March 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Intermediate 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Ceramics Manufacturing Engineer | $99,500 | 10% |
| Materials Evaluation and Analysis Engineer III | $102,400 | 13% |
| Alloy and Materials Engineer III | $99,500 | 10% |
Salaries for an Intermediate Materials Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $88,316 in 2023 to around $87,670 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Intermediate Materials Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $88,316 |
| 2024 | $88,196 |
| 2025 | $87,670 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Engineers, including Intermediate Materials Engineers, earn competitive salaries ranging from $86,100 to $104,600. Their high pay reflects the advanced technical skills required in a rapidly evolving job market. As industries become more technical, the demand for engineers with specialized knowledge and soft skills continues to rise, justifying their substantial earnings.
Engineers typically earning around $200,000 a year are often in specialized roles or senior positions. For example, Senior Mixed Signal Design Engineers at companies like NVIDIA or AI Software Engineers in emerging tech sectors may reach this salary level. In contrast, an Intermediate Materials Engineer earns between $86,100 and $104,600 annually, reflecting a different career stage and specialization.
The highest salary for an Intermediate Materials Engineer is $104,600. However, in certain cities, salaries can be significantly higher. For example, in Sunnyvale, CA, the average salary reaches $159,875, while Seattle, WA offers around $157,972. Other notable cities include Irvine, CA at $141,688 and Cupertino, CA at $138,863.
Yes, while some engineers can earn high salaries, not all will reach $500k annually. For an Intermediate Materials Engineer, salaries typically range from $86,100 to $104,600. Achieving a higher compensation often involves joining a high-growth company early on, where equity can significantly boost overall earnings if the company succeeds.
Engineers typically making over $300k include Senior Engineering Directors, Directors of Software Engineering, and specialized roles like HPC Software Engineers. However, an Intermediate Materials Engineer earns between $86,100 and $104,600, which is below the $300k threshold. To reach higher salaries, consider advancing to senior or specialized engineering positions.
Did you know that 40% of the world's billionaires are engineers? Engineers play a pivotal role in shaping our world and its development, serving as stewards who provide direction for nations. In fields like materials engineering, professionals earn between $86,100 and $104,600, reflecting the value of their expertise in driving innovation and progress.
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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