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Materials Engineer IV Salary in the United States

How much does a Materials Engineer IV make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Materials Engineer IV in the United States is $124,940 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $60.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $144,236
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $114,578 to $135,040
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $105,144
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Materials Engineer IV Salaries

A Materials Engineer IV'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 Materials Engineer IV Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Materials Engineer IV'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 II (2-4 years): $90,395
  • Materials Engineer III (4-7 years): $102,324
  • Materials Engineer IV (7+ years): $124,940
  • Materials Engineer V (7-10 years): $152,824
  • Materials Engineering Manager (10+ years): $141,410
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Materials Engineer II2-4 years$90,395
Materials Engineer III4-7 years$102,324
Materials Engineer IV7+ years$124,940
Materials Engineer V7-10 years$152,824
Materials Engineering Manager10+ years$141,410
View as Graph

How Do Materials Engineer IVs 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 Engineer IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $138,334.
  • California: $137,809.
  • Massachusetts: $135,972.

Top Paying Cities for Materials Engineer IV

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: $157,587
  • San Francisco: $155,861
  • Oakland: $152,577

What Skills Can Increase a Materials Engineer IV's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Planning (Mentioned in 4.2% Job Postings): An act or process of making or carrying out plans. Establishment of goals, policies, and procedures for a social or economic unit city planning business planning.
  • Material Handling (Mentioned in 3.71% Job Postings): Material handling involves short-distance movement within the confines of a building or between a building and a transportation vehicle. It uses a wide range of manual, semi-automated, and automated equipment and includes consideration of the protection, storage, and control of materials throughout their manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, consumption, and disposal. Material handling can be used to create time and place utility through the handling, storage, and control of material, as distinct from manufacturing, which creates form utility by changing the shape, form, and makeup of material.
  • Shipping and Receiving (Mentioned in 2.46% Job Postings): Managing and maintaining records of all products shipped and received to ensure the correct filing of orders.
Skills Demand Percentage
Planning 4.2%
Material Handling 3.71%
Shipping and Receiving 2.46%
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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 Materials Engineer IV's salary.

  • Accountability: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
  • Aviation: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
  • Verbal Communication: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Accountability $136,185
9%
Aviation $133,686
7%
Verbal Communication $131,187
5%
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Materials Engineer IV Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Materials Engineer IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $140,125. While startup companies pay approximate $118,618.

Materials Engineer IV Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $118,618
Growth Stage 51~500 $125,427
Established 501~5000 $135,338
Enterprise 5000+ $140,125

Materials Engineer IV Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Materials Engineer IV 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 Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Materials Engineer positions in Retail & Wholesale or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Materials Engineer IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Materials Engineer IV

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$156,175$75.025%
Financial Services$149,928$72.020%
Pharmaceuticals$149,928$72.020%
Software & Networking$149,928$72.020%
Energy & Utilities$143,681$69.015%

How Education impacts an Materials Engineer IV's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Materials Engineer IV 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 Materials Engineer IV with a Bachelor's Degree is between $135,585 and $143,138.

Materials Engineer IV Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Materials Engineer IV
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 20.8%
High School 41.7%
Associates 37.5%
Bachelors 20.8%
Masters 41.7%
Doctorate 37.5%
View as Graph

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

Understanding how a Materials Engineer IV'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
$114,578
Average $124,940/year
$135,040
$9,548
Average $10,412/month
$11,253
$2,203
Average $2,403/week
$2,597
$55
Average $60/hour
$65
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $135,040 $11,253 $2,597 $65
Average $124,940 $10,412 $2,403 $60
25th Percentile $114,578 $9,548 $2,203 $55

Materials Engineer IV Salary Growth & Career Path

Materials Engineer IV

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Materials Engineer IV, 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
Materials Engineer V $152,824 22%
Metallurgical Engineer V $140,384 12%

Most common benefits for Materials Engineer IV

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

Common company salaries for Materials Engineer IV

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

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FAQ about Materials Engineer IV

1. Where can a Materials Engineer IV earn the most?

A Materials Engineer IV'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 Materials Engineer IV earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Materials Engineer IV is $157,587.

2. What is the highest pay for Materials Engineer IV?

The highest pay for Materials Engineer IV is $144,236.

3. What is the lowest pay for Materials Engineer IV?

The lowest pay for Materials Engineer IV is $105,144.

4. What are the responsibilities of Materials Engineer IV?

Develops and refines the physical materials that serve as the foundation of technology, that spans from smartphones to advanced aircraft. Evaluates the specific properties to ensure the best fit for the product's needs. Focuses on physical attributes such as strength, weight, and durability. Investigates failures to improve safety and prevention. Requires a bachelor's degree in materials science and engineering or a related engineering field. Typically reports to a manager. Work is highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. Typically requires 7+ years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Materials Engineer IV?

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Materials Engineer IV 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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