upper level job

How much does a Metallurgist II make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Metallurgist II in the United States is $90,413 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $43.

However, a Metallurgist II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $101,264
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $82,603 to $96,093
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $75,492

Key Factors That Influence Metallurgist II Salaries

A Metallurgist II'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.

How Experience Level Affects Metallurgist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Metallurgist II'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:

  • Alloy and Materials Engineer I (0-2 years): $76,512
  • Metallurgist II (2-4 years): $90,394
  • Alloy and Materials Engineer III (4-7 years): $99,448
  • Alloy and Materials Engineer IV (7+ years): $120,756
  • Alloy and Materials Engineer V (7-10 years): $140,368
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Alloy and Materials Engineer I0-2 years$76,512
Metallurgist II2-4 years$90,394
Alloy and Materials Engineer III4-7 years$99,448
Alloy and Materials Engineer IV7+ years$120,756
Alloy and Materials Engineer V7-10 years$140,368

Top Paying Cities for Metallurgist IIs

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: $114,033
  • San Francisco: $112,783
  • Oakland: $110,403

What Skills Can Increase a Metallurgist II's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 5.16% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • AutoCAD (Mentioned in 1.76% Job Postings): AutoCAD is a commercial computer-aided design and drafting software application. Developed and marketed by Autodesk, AutoCAD was first released in December 1982 as a desktop app running on microcomputers with internal graphics controllers.
  • Programming (Mentioned in 1.31% Job Postings): Executing logic to facilitate computing operations and functionality in one or more languages.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 5.16%
AutoCAD 1.76%
Programming 1.31%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Metallurgist II's salary.

  • Risk Management: Can increase your salary by up to 16%.
  • Networking: Can increase your salary by up to 16%.
  • Insight: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Risk Management $104,879
16%
Networking $104,879
16%
Insight $101,263
12%

Metallurgist II Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Metallurgist II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $100,723. While startup companies pay approximate $85,255.

Metallurgist II Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $85,255
Growth Stage 51~500 $90,146
Established 501~5000 $97,282
Enterprise 5000+ $100,723

Metallurgist II Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Metallurgist II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 70% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the MFG Nondurable and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Metallurgist positions in MFG Durable or Financial Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Metallurgist II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Metallurgist II

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
MFG Nondurable$117,537$57.030%
Energy & Utilities$108,496$52.020%

How Education impacts a Metallurgist II's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Metallurgist IIs 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 a Metallurgist II with a Bachelor's Degree is between $92,662 and $98,021).

Metallurgist II Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Metallurgist II
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 79.2%
High School 20.8%
Associates 0.0%
Bachelors 79.2%
Masters 20.8%
Doctorate 0.0%

Metallurgist II Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Metallurgist II'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 September 01, 2026
$82,603
Average $90,413/year
$96,093
$6,884
Average $7,534/month
$8,008
$1,589
Average $1,739/week
$1,848
$40
Average $43/hour
$46
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $96,093 $8,008 $1,848 $46
Average $90,413 $7,534 $1,739 $43
25th Percentile $82,603 $6,884 $1,589 $40

Metallurgist II Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Metallurgist II, 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.

Metallurgist II Salary Growth and Career Path
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%

Most common benefits for Metallurgist II

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

Common company salaries for Metallurgist II

Here are companies hiring for Metallurgist II and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Metallurgist II Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Metallurgist II job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

For Employees

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Get a Salary Increase

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

Search Job Openings

For Employers

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Adjust Employee Salary

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

Price My Industry Jobs

FAQ about Metallurgist II

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Metallurgist II?

The MFG Nondurable industry offers the highest average compensation for Metallurgist II roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

2. What is the highest salary for a metallurgist?

The highest salary for a metallurgist based on the provided data is $107,493. However, in certain cities, metallurgists can earn even more, with Lewisport, KY offering $114,353, followed by Pittsburgh, PA at $106,347, and South Gate, CA at $104,740.

3. How long does it take to become a metallurgist?

To become a metallurgist, you typically need a degree in chemical engineering or materials science, which usually takes four to five years to complete. The salary for metallurgists ranges from $87,953 to $107,493, with a median salary of $97,863, reflecting the demand and expertise in this field.

4. What is the position title metallurgist?

Metallurgists, also known as material engineers, assess various metals to determine their properties for manufacturing and engineering applications. The salary range for this position typically falls between $87,953 and $107,493, with a median salary of $97,863, reflecting the expertise and responsibilities involved in the role.

5. How much does metallurgical make?

The salary for a metallurgist ranges from a minimum of $87,953 to a maximum of $107,493, with a mid-level salary of $97,863. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end, while experienced metallurgists can earn towards the higher end of the scale.

6. Is metallurgy a good career?

Metallurgy is a promising career, especially in the iron and steel industry, which is vital in countries like India. It offers unique opportunities for those interested in core engineering and the study of metals and their properties. Salaries for metallurgists range from $87,953 to $107,493, making it a financially rewarding field to pursue.

7. How much does a USA diploma mechanical engineering make?

A Metallurgist in the USA typically earns between $87,953 and $107,493, with a median salary of $97,863. This reflects the specialized nature of the field, which can vary based on experience and location. In comparison, mechanical engineers have a broader salary range, with entry-level positions starting around $69,148 and top earners reaching $157,470.

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

  • Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
  • Job and employee pricing reports
  • Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.
Learn about CompAnalyst
lower level job