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Materials Processing Specialist I Salary in the United States

How much does a Materials Processing Specialist I make in the United States?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Materials Processing Specialist I in the United States is $91,200 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $44.

However, a Materials Processing Specialist I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $105,146
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $84,400 to $98,500
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $78,209

Key Factors That Influence Materials Processing Specialist I Salaries

A Materials Processing Specialist I'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Materials Processing Specialist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Materials Processing Specialist I'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:

  • Materials Processing Specialist I (0-2 years): $91,139
  • Materials Processing Specialist II (2-4 years): $101,202
  • Materials Processing Specialist III (4-7 years): $113,697
  • Materials Processing Specialist IV (7+ years): $132,846
  • Materials Processing Specialist V (7-10 years): $157,765
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Materials Processing Specialist I0-2 years$91,139
Materials Processing Specialist II2-4 years$101,202
Materials Processing Specialist III4-7 years$113,697
Materials Processing Specialist IV7+ years$132,846
Materials Processing Specialist V7-10 years$157,765

How Do Materials Processing Specialist I Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Materials Processing Specialist Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $101,000.
  • California: $100,600.
  • Massachusetts: $99,200.

Top Paying Cities for Materials Processing Specialist Is

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $115,000
  • San Francisco: $113,700
  • Oakland: $111,300

Materials Processing Specialist I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Materials Processing Specialist I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $101,815. While startup companies pay approximate $86,212.

Materials Processing Specialist I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $86,212
Growth Stage 51~500 $91,158
Established 501~5000 $98,311
Enterprise 5000+ $101,815

Materials Processing Specialist I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Materials Processing Specialist I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Materials Processing Specialist positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Materials Processing Specialist I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Materials Processing Specialist I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$118,560$57.030%
Biotechnology$114,000$55.025%
Financial Services$114,000$55.025%
Software & Networking$114,000$55.025%
Energy & Utilities$109,440$53.020%

Materials Processing Specialist I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Materials Processing Specialist I'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 October 01, 2026
$84,400
Average $91,200/year
$98,500
$7,033
Average $7,600/month
$8,208
$1,623
Average $1,754/week
$1,894
$41
Average $44/hour
$47
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $98,500 $8,208 $1,894 $47
Average $91,200 $7,600 $1,754 $44
25th Percentile $84,400 $7,033 $1,623 $41

Materials Processing Specialist I Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Materials Processing Specialist I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Materials Processing Specialist II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $101,300 - a projected growth of 11% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Materials Processing Specialist I

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Materials Processing Specialist I

Here are companies hiring for Materials Processing Specialist I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Materials Processing Specialist I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Materials Processing Specialist I?

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Materials Processing Specialist I roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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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