As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Metallurgist I in the United States is $76,590 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $37.
However, a Metallurgist I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Metallurgist 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, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Metallurgist 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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Metallurgist I | 0-2 years | $76,519 |
| Alloy and Materials Engineer II | 2-4 years | $90,398 |
| Alloy and Materials Engineer III | 4-7 years | $99,456 |
| Alloy and Materials Engineer IV | 7+ years | $120,755 |
| Alloy and Materials Engineer V | 7-10 years | $140,384 |
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 Metallurgist Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 15.51% |
| ISO | 2.14% |
| Environmental Compliance | 1.51% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Dedication
|
$84,249 |
10%
|
|
Coaching
|
$78,888 |
3%
|
|
Planning
|
$78,122 |
2%
|
|
Innovation
|
$78,122 |
2%
|
|
Project Management
|
$77,356 |
1%
|
|
Materials Engineering
|
$77,356 |
1%
|
Metallurgist I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $85,468. While startup companies pay approximate $72,348.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $72,348 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $76,500 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $82,552 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $85,468 |
For Metallurgist I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 35% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and MFG Durable sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Metallurgist positions in MFG Nondurable or Energy & Utilities typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Metallurgist I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $91,908 | $44.0 | 20% |
| MFG Durable | $80,420 | $39.0 | 5% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Metallurgist Is enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Metallurgist I with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $76,562 and $81,917).
Metallurgist I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 3.3% |
| High School | 50.0% |
| Associates | 3.3% |
| Bachelors | 50.0% |
| Masters | 36.7% |
| Doctorate | 10.0% |
Understanding how a Metallurgist 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 August 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Metallurgist I, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Ceramics Manufacturing Engineer | $90,500 | 18% |
| Intermediate Materials Engineer | $90,400 | 18% |
| Alloy and Materials Engineer II | $90,400 | 18% |
Salaries for a Metallurgist I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $71,234 in 2023 to around $70,507 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Metallurgist I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $71,234 |
| 2024 | $70,837 |
| 2025 | $70,507 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Metallurgist I roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
Metallurgists in the US earn an annual salary ranging from $75,090 to $93,590. The average salary is approximately $84,390. This reflects the diverse roles and responsibilities within the field, highlighting the importance of metallurgists in various industries.
Metallurgy is a highly qualified career path with promising prospects. The salary range for metallurgists typically falls between $75,090 and $93,590, with a median salary of $84,390. This competitive compensation reflects the demand for skilled professionals in the field, making metallurgy a rewarding career choice.
No, metallurgists typically do not make 500k a year. The salary range for metallurgists is between $75,090 and $93,590, with a mid-salary of $84,390. While some engineers in high-demand fields may reach higher earnings, metallurgists generally earn within this range based on their experience and industry.
Metallurgists in the US earn between $75,090 and $93,590, with a median salary of $84,390. The highest-paying industries include Manufacturing, with a median total pay of $117,003, and Energy, Mining & Utilities at $115,193. Other notable sectors are Aerospace & Defense at $103,573 and Construction, Repair & Maintenance Services at $94,867.
The highest salary for a Metallurgist is $93,590. The top 10% of employees in this field earn significantly more, reflecting the demand for skilled professionals. The average salary falls around $84,390, with a minimum starting salary of $75,090.
The highest salary for a metallurgist is $93,590 annually. The average salary is approximately $84,390, while the minimum salary starts at $75,090. This data reflects the typical salary range for metallurgists in the industry.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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