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How much does a Materials Engineer I make in Georgia?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Materials Engineer I in Georgia is $73,803 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $80,077
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $65,872 to $77,087
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $58,652

Key Factors That Influence Materials Engineer I Salaries

A Materials Engineer 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 Engineer I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Materials Engineer 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 Engineer I (0-2 years): $73,803
  • Materials Engineer II (2-4 years): $87,186
  • Materials Engineer III (4-7 years): $98,691
  • Materials Engineer IV (7+ years): $120,505
  • Materials Engineer V (7-10 years): $147,399
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Materials Engineer I0-2 years$73,803
Materials Engineer II2-4 years$87,186
Materials Engineer III4-7 years$98,691
Materials Engineer IV7+ years$120,505
Materials Engineer V7-10 years$147,399

Top Paying Cities for Materials Engineer I

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:

  • Attapulgus: $68,436
  • Kennesaw: $73,803
  • Kingston: $70,376

Materials Engineer I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Materials Engineer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $82,773. While startup companies pay approximate $70,068.

Materials Engineer I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $70,068
Growth Stage 51~500 $74,090
Established 501~5000 $79,945
Enterprise 5000+ $82,773

Materials Engineer I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Materials Engineer 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 Biotechnology and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Materials Engineer positions in Transportation or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Materials Engineer I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Materials Engineer I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$99,475$48.030%
Software & Networking$99,475$48.030%
Internet$91,823$44.020%
Energy & Utilities$87,997$42.015%
Chemicals$84,171$40.010%

Materials Engineer I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Materials Engineer 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, 2026
$65,872
Average $73,803/year
$77,087
$5,489
Average $6,150/month
$6,424
$1,267
Average $1,419/week
$1,482
$32
Average $35/hour
$37
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $77,087 $6,424 $1,482 $37
Average $73,803 $6,150 $1,419 $35
25th Percentile $65,872 $5,489 $1,267 $32

Materials Engineer I Salary Growth & Career Path

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

Materials Engineer I Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Ceramics Engineer $87,195 18%
Materials Engineer II $87,186 18%
Metallurgical Engineer II $87,189 18%

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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