As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Metallurgical Engineer III in the United States is $99,456 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $48.
However, a Metallurgical Engineer III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Metallurgical Engineer III Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $108,415 | $9,035 | $2,085 | $52 |
| Average | $99,456 | $8,288 | $1,913 | $48 |
| 25th Percentile | $90,067 | $7,506 | $1,732 | $43 |
A Metallurgical 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Metallurgical 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Metallurgical Engineer I | 0-2 years | $76,519 |
| Metallurgical Engineer II | 2-4 years | $90,398 |
| Metallurgical Engineer III | 4-7 years | $99,456 |
| Metallurgical Engineer IV | 7+ years | $120,755 |
| Metallurgical Engineer V | 7-10 years | $140,384 |
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 15.56% |
| ISO | 2.13% |
| Environmental Compliance | 1.51% |
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 Metallurgical Engineer III's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Consulting | $109,402 | |
| SEM | $109,402 | |
| Dedication | $105,423 |
Metallurgical Engineer III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $110,985. While startup companies pay approximate $93,947.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $93,947 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $99,339 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $107,198 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $110,985 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Metallurgical Engineer III 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 Metallurgical Engineer III with a Bachelor's Degree is between $111,550 and $117,579.
| Typical Education for Metallurgical Engineer III | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Diploma | 3.6% |
| High School | 57.1% |
| Associates | 3.6% |
| Bachelors | 57.1% |
| Masters | 32.1% |
| Doctorate | 7.1% |
Understanding how a Metallurgical 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 | $108,415 | $9,035 | $2,085 | $52 |
| Average | $99,456 | $8,288 | $1,913 | $48 |
| 25th Percentile | $90,067 | $7,506 | $1,732 | $43 |
Next Role
Advancement
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Metallurgical Engineer III, 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 Engineer IV | $124,940 | 26% |
| Metallurgical Engineer IV | $120,755 | 21% |
Salaries for a Metallurgical Engineer III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $107,580 in 2023 to around $105,677 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Metallurgical Engineer III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $107,580 |
| 2024 | $106,849 |
| 2025 | $105,677 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
A Metallurgical 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 Metallurgical Engineer III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Metallurgical Engineer III is $125,444.
The highest pay for Metallurgical Engineer III is $116,572.
The lowest pay for Metallurgical Engineer III is $81,519.
Designs and initiates processes for the manufacturing of metals from ores. Reviews metallurgical data and makes recommendations for equipment and process design. Performs analysis and tests to aid in the development of new and improved metals and alloys as well as their applications to various products. Investigates and resolves metallurgical issues to improve process efficiency. Requires a bachelor's degree in engineering. 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 Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Metallurgical Engineer III roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.
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.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers: