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Ceramics Engineer Salary in the United States

How much does a Ceramics Engineer make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Ceramics Engineer in the United States is $90,400 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $43.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $101,263
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $82,593 to $96,086
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $75,485

Key Factors That Influence Ceramics Engineer Salaries

A Ceramics 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.

How Experience Level Affects Ceramics Engineer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Ceramics 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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $87,837
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $88,070
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $90,824
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $93,201
  • Expert (over 8 years): $93,370
Levels Salary
Entry Level Ceramics Engineer$87,837
Intermediate Level Ceramics Engineer$88,070
Senior Level Ceramics Engineer$90,824
Specialist Level Ceramics Engineer$93,201
Expert Level Ceramics Engineer$93,370

Top Paying Cities for Ceramics Engineer

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: $114,022
  • San Francisco: $112,773
  • Oakland: $110,396

Ceramics Engineer Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Ceramics Engineer salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $101,270. While startup companies pay approximate $85,749.

Ceramics Engineer Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $85,749
Growth Stage 51~500 $90,659
Established 501~5000 $97,813
Enterprise 5000+ $101,270

Ceramics Engineer Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Ceramics Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Ceramics Engineer positions in Retail & Wholesale or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Ceramics Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Ceramics Engineer

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Energy & Utilities$113,000$54.025%
Pharmaceuticals$113,000$54.025%
Healthcare$99,440$48.010%
Software & Networking$99,440$48.010%
Biotechnology$94,920$46.05%

How Education impacts an Ceramics Engineer's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Ceramics Engineer enter the field with a Bachelor's 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 Ceramics Engineer with a Bachelor's Degree is between $85,315 and $91,140.

Ceramics Engineer Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Ceramics Engineer
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 5.4%
High School 5.4%
Associates 8.1%
Bachelors 43.2%
Masters 21.6%
Doctorate 21.6%

Ceramics Engineer Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Ceramics 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 September 01, 2026
$82,593
Average $90,400/year
$96,086
$6,883
Average $7,533/month
$8,007
$1,588
Average $1,738/week
$1,848
$40
Average $43/hour
$46
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $96,086 $8,007 $1,848 $46
Average $90,400 $7,533 $1,738 $43
25th Percentile $82,593 $6,883 $1,588 $40

Ceramics Engineer Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Ceramics 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.

Ceramics Engineer Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Ceramics Engineer, Sr. $99,453 10%
Materials Engineer III $102,319 13%
Metallurgical Engineer III $99,448 10%

Most common benefits for Ceramics Engineer

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

Common company salaries for Ceramics Engineer

Here are companies hiring for Ceramics Engineer and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Ceramics Engineer

1. Where can a Ceramics Engineer earn the most?

A Ceramics Engineer's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Ceramics Engineer earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Ceramics Engineer is $114,022.

2. What is the highest pay for Ceramics Engineer?

The highest pay for Ceramics Engineer is $101,263.

3. What is the lowest pay for Ceramics Engineer?

The lowest pay for Ceramics Engineer is $75,485.

4. What are the responsibilities of Ceramics Engineer?

Develops manufacturing processes and equipment for converting ceramics into useful products. Tests various combinations of materials to create ceramics that that are durable and economical. Researches and selects the appropriate hand and power tools to be used in the production process. Tests finished ceramics to ensure quality, consistency, and durability standards have been met according to specifications. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Typically requires 2 to 4 years of related experience. Gains exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Ceramics Engineer?

The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Ceramics Engineer 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.)

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

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