As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Materials Processing Engineer III in the United States is $113,697 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $55.
However, a Materials Processing Engineer III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Materials Processing Engineer III Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $123,606 | $10,301 | $2,377 | $59 |
| Average | $113,697 | $9,475 | $2,186 | $55 |
| 25th Percentile | $105,560 | $8,797 | $2,030 | $51 |
A Materials Processing Engineer III'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 III'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 | $91,139 |
| Materials Processing Engineer II | 2-4 years | $101,202 |
| Materials Processing Engineer III | 4-7 years | $113,697 |
| Materials Processing Engineer IV | 7+ years | $132,846 |
| Materials Processing Engineer V | 7-10 years | $157,765 |
Materials Processing Engineer III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $126,931. While startup companies pay approximate $107,478.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $107,478 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $113,645 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $122,562 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $126,931 |
Understanding how a Materials Processing Engineer III'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 | $123,606 | $10,301 | $2,377 | $59 |
| Average | $113,697 | $9,475 | $2,186 | $55 |
| 25th Percentile | $105,560 | $8,797 | $2,030 | $51 |
Next Role
Advancement
For a Materials Processing Engineer III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Materials Processing Engineer IV role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $132,846 - a projected growth of 17% over your current level.
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A Materials Processing Engineer III'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 III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Materials Processing Engineer III is $143,406.
The highest pay for Materials Processing Engineer III is $132,628.
The lowest pay for Materials Processing Engineer III is $98,152.
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 generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4-7 years of related experience.
The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Materials Processing Engineer III roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.
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