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Materials Engineering Manager Salary in the United States

How much does a Materials Engineering Manager make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Materials Engineering Manager in the United States is $141,410 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $68.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $160,642
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $129,148 to $151,477
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $117,984
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Materials Engineering Manager Salaries

A Materials Engineering Manager'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 Engineering Manager Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Materials Engineering Manager'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
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How Do Materials Engineering Managers 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 Engineering Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $156,569.
  • California: $155,975.
  • Massachusetts: $153,897.

Top Paying Cities for Materials Engineering Manager

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: $178,360
  • San Francisco: $176,408
  • Oakland: $172,690

Materials Engineering Manager Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Materials Engineering Manager salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $158,597. While startup companies pay approximate $134,254.

Materials Engineering Manager Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $134,254
Growth Stage 51~500 $141,961
Established 501~5000 $153,178
Enterprise 5000+ $158,597

Materials Engineering Manager Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Materials Engineering Manager roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 83% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Materials Engineering Manager positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Materials Engineering Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Materials Engineering Manager

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$183,833$88.030%
Biotechnology$176,762$85.025%
Internet$169,692$82.020%
Financial Services$166,864$80.018%
Software & Networking$164,036$79.016%

Materials Engineering Manager Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Materials Engineering Manager'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
$129,148
Average $141,410/year
$151,477
$10,762
Average $11,784/month
$12,623
$2,484
Average $2,719/week
$2,913
$62
Average $68/hour
$73
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $151,477 $12,623 $2,913 $73
Average $141,410 $11,784 $2,719 $68
25th Percentile $129,148 $10,762 $2,484 $62

Materials Engineering Manager Salary Growth & Career Path

Materials Engineering Manager

Next Role

For a Materials Engineering Manager, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Metallurgical Engineering Senior Manager role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $180,435 - a projected growth of 28% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Materials Engineering Manager

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

Common company salaries for Materials Engineering Manager

Here are companies hiring for Materials Engineering Manager and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Materials Engineering Manager

1. Where can a Materials Engineering Manager earn the most?

A Materials Engineering Manager'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 Engineering Manager earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Materials Engineering Manager is $178,360.

2. What is the highest pay for Materials Engineering Manager?

The highest pay for Materials Engineering Manager is $160,642.

3. What is the lowest pay for Materials Engineering Manager?

The lowest pay for Materials Engineering Manager is $117,984.

4. What are the responsibilities of Materials Engineering Manager?

Manages the development and refinement of the physical materials that serve as the foundation of technology, spanning from smartphones to advanced aircraft. Oversees the evaluation of specific material properties to ensure the absolute best fit for the product's needs. Optimizes physical attributes such as strength, weight, and durability to meet performance standards. Monitors the investigation of material failures to improve safety and prevention. Reviews decisions, recommendations, and completed work to ensure quality, safety, and efficiency. Typically requires a master's degree in materials science and engineering or a related engineering field. Typically reports to a director. Manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1 - 3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Materials Engineering Manager?

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Materials Engineering Manager roles, with salaries approximately 30% 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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