As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Material Specialist in the United States is $123,340 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $59.
However, a Material Specialist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Material Specialist'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 Material Specialist'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Materials... Level Material Specialist | $90,914 |
| Materials... Level Material Specialist | $102,911 |
| Material ... Level Material Specialist | $125,647 |
| Materials... Level Material Specialist | $153,698 |
| Materials... Level Material Specialist | $142,219 |
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 Material Specialists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 4.2% |
| Material Handling | 3.71% |
| Shipping and Receiving | 2.46% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Accountability
|
$134,441 |
9%
|
|
Aviation
|
$131,974 |
7%
|
|
Verbal Communication
|
$129,507 |
5%
|
|
Innovation
|
$129,507 |
5%
|
|
Organizational Skills
|
$128,274 |
4%
|
|
Flexibility
|
$128,274 |
4%
|
For Material Specialist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Material Specialist positions in Retail & Wholesale or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Material Specialist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $154,175 | $74.0 | 25% |
| Financial Services | $148,008 | $71.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $148,008 | $71.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $148,008 | $71.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $141,841 | $68.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Material Specialists enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Material Specialist with a Bachelor's Degree is between $135,585 and $143,138).
Material Specialist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 20.8% |
| High School | 41.7% |
| Associates | 37.5% |
| Bachelors | 20.8% |
| Masters | 41.7% |
| Doctorate | 37.5% |
Understanding how a Material Specialist'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, 2026Salaries for a Material Specialist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $125,908 in 2023 to around $124,767 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Material Specialist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $125,908 |
| 2024 | $125,845 |
| 2025 | $124,767 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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