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Materials Processing Specialist III Salary in the United States

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

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Materials Processing Specialist III in the United States is $113,700 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $55.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $132,804
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $105,600 to $123,700
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $98,225

Key Factors That Influence Materials Processing Specialist III Salaries

A Materials Processing Specialist III'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 III'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 III 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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $125,900.
  • California: $125,500.
  • Massachusetts: $123,800.

Top Paying Cities for Materials Processing Specialist IIIs

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: $143,500
  • San Francisco: $141,900
  • Oakland: $138,900

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

Materials Processing Specialist III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $126,934. While startup companies pay approximate $107,481.

Materials Processing Specialist III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $107,481
Growth Stage 51~500 $113,648
Established 501~5000 $122,565
Enterprise 5000+ $126,934

Materials Processing Specialist III Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Materials Processing Specialist III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Insurance sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Materials Processing Specialist positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Materials Processing Specialist III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Materials Processing Specialist III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$142,125$68.025%
Insurance$136,440$66.020%
Software & Networking$130,755$63.015%
Financial Services$125,070$60.010%
Healthcare$125,070$60.010%

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

Understanding how a Materials Processing Specialist III'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
$105,600
Average $113,700/year
$123,700
$8,800
Average $9,475/month
$10,308
$2,031
Average $2,187/week
$2,379
$51
Average $55/hour
$59
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $123,700 $10,308 $2,379 $59
Average $113,700 $9,475 $2,187 $55
25th Percentile $105,600 $8,800 $2,031 $51

Materials Processing Specialist III Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Materials Processing Specialist III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Materials Processing Specialist IV role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $132,900 - a projected growth of 17% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Materials Processing Specialist III

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

Common company salaries for Materials Processing Specialist III

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

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FAQ about Materials Processing Specialist III

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

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Materials Processing Specialist III roles, with salaries approximately 25% 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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