As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Materials Engineer V in the United States is $152,824 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $73.
However, a Materials Engineer V's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Materials Engineer V Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $158,532 | $13,211 | $3,049 | $76 |
| Average | $152,824 | $12,735 | $2,939 | $73 |
| 25th Percentile | $142,311 | $11,859 | $2,737 | $68 |
A Materials Engineer V'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 Materials Engineer V'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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 17.06% |
| Economics | 1.76% |
| Continuous Improvement | 1.18% |
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 V's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| SEM | $220,067 | |
| Failure Analysis | $198,671 | |
| Production Process | $197,143 |
Materials Engineer V salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $171,398. While startup companies pay approximate $145,091.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $145,091 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $153,420 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $165,542 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $171,398 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Materials Engineer V 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 V with a Bachelor's Degree is between $168,307 and $177,451.
| Typical Education for Materials Engineer V | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Diploma | 2.5% |
| High School | 24.1% |
| Associates | 2.5% |
| Bachelors | 24.1% |
| Masters | 29.1% |
| Doctorate | 44.3% |
Understanding how a Materials Engineer V'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $158,532 | $13,211 | $3,049 | $76 |
| Average | $152,824 | $12,735 | $2,939 | $73 |
| 25th Percentile | $142,311 | $11,859 | $2,737 | $68 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Materials Engineer V, 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 Engineering Manager | $141,410 | -7% |
| Metallurgical Engineering Supervisor | $129,100 | -16% |
Salaries for a Materials Engineer V can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $149,777 in 2023 to around $147,514 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Materials Engineer V salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $149,777 |
| 2024 | $148,822 |
| 2025 | $147,514 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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A Materials Engineer V'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 V earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Materials Engineer V is $192,757.
The highest pay for Materials Engineer V is $163,729.
The lowest pay for Materials Engineer V is $132,739.
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. Works autonomously. Goals are generally communicated in "solution" or project goal terms. May provide a leadership role for the work group through knowledge in the area of specialization. Works on advanced, complex technical projects or business issues requiring state of the art technical or industry knowledge. Typically requires 10+ years of related experience.
The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Materials Engineer V roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
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