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Materials Processing Engineer IV Salary in the United States

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

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Materials Processing Engineer IV in the United States is $132,846 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $64.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $146,429
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $120,872 to $139,956
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $109,970
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Materials Processing Engineer IV Salaries

A Materials Processing 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Materials Processing Engineer IV Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Materials Processing 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 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 Manager (10+ years): $145,094
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Materials Processing Engineer II2-4 years$101,202
Materials Processing Engineer III4-7 years$113,697
Materials Processing Engineer IV7+ years$132,846
Materials Processing Engineer V7-10 years$157,765
Materials Processing Engineer Manager10+ years$145,094
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How Do Materials Processing Engineer IV 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 Processing Engineer IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $147,087.
  • California: $146,529.
  • Massachusetts: $144,576.

Top Paying Cities for Materials Processing Engineer IVs

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: $167,559
  • San Francisco: $165,724
  • Oakland: $162,232

Materials Processing Engineer IV Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Materials Processing Engineer IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $148,309. While startup companies pay approximate $125,580.

Materials Processing Engineer IV Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $125,580
Growth Stage 51~500 $132,785
Established 501~5000 $143,204
Enterprise 5000+ $148,309

Materials Processing Engineer IV Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Materials Processing Engineer IV roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 35% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 15% above the average. In contrast, Materials Processing Engineer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Materials Processing Engineer IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Materials Processing Engineer IV

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Energy & Utilities$152,773$73.015%
Aerospace & Defense$146,131$70.010%
Biotechnology$146,131$70.010%
Financial Services$146,131$70.010%
Internet$146,131$70.010%

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

Understanding how a Materials Processing 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 October 01, 2026
$120,872
Average $132,846/year
$139,956
$10,073
Average $11,071/month
$11,663
$2,324
Average $2,555/week
$2,691
$58
Average $64/hour
$67
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $139,956 $11,663 $2,691 $67
Average $132,846 $11,071 $2,555 $64
25th Percentile $120,872 $10,073 $2,324 $58

Materials Processing Engineer IV Salary Growth & Career Path

Materials Processing Engineer IV

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Advancement

For a Materials Processing Engineer IV, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Materials Processing Engineer V role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $157,765 - a projected growth of 19% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Materials Processing Engineer IV

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

Common company salaries for Materials Processing Engineer IV

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

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FAQ about Materials Processing Engineer IV

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

A Materials Processing 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 Processing Engineer IV earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Materials Processing Engineer IV is $167,559.

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

The highest pay for Materials Processing Engineer IV is $146,429.

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

The lowest pay for Materials Processing Engineer IV is $109,970.

4. What are the responsibilities of Materials Processing Engineer IV?

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 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 Processing Engineer IV?

The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Materials Processing Engineer IV roles, with salaries approximately 15% 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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