As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Materials Processing Engineer I in the United States is $87,763 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $42.
However, a Materials Processing Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Materials Processing 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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Materials Processing 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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Materials Processing Engineer I | 0-2 years | $87,763 |
| Materials Processing Engineer II | 2-4 years | $97,102 |
| Materials Processing Engineer III | 4-7 years | $113,679 |
| Materials Processing Engineer IV | 7+ years | $132,836 |
| Materials Processing Engineer V | 7-10 years | $153,013 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Processing Engineer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Materials Processing Engineer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $98,162. While startup companies pay approximate $83,016.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $83,016 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $87,802 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $94,794 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $98,162 |
For Materials Processing 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 Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Materials Processing Engineer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Materials Processing Engineer I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $114,092 | $55.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $109,704 | $53.0 | 25% |
| Financial Services | $109,704 | $53.0 | 25% |
| Software & Networking | $109,704 | $53.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $105,316 | $51.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Materials Processing 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 July 01, 2026For a Materials Processing Engineer I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Materials Processing Engineer II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $97,102 - a projected growth of 11% over your current level.
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A Materials Processing Engineer I'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 Processing Engineer I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Materials Processing Engineer I is $110,695.
The highest pay for Materials Processing Engineer I is $101,163.
The lowest pay for Materials Processing Engineer I is $75,148.
Plans and designs processes for transforming raw materials into usable products, ensuring efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness. Utilizes engineering frameworks and methodologies to design or improve material processing operations including washing, hardening, shaping, or engraving. Analyzes material properties and characteristics to select the most suitable processing methods for specific applications. Conducts tests and measures throughout the processing cycle to monitor variables like temperature or pressure and ensure consistent and quality results. Creates and maintains standard documentation of specifications and processes to ensure procedures are well-documented and accessible for future needs. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.
The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Materials Processing Engineer I roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
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