How Much Does a Materials Lead make?

Materials Lead made a median salary around $103,502 in March, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $119,589 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $89,541. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
25% $89,541 10% $76,831 90% $134,237 75% $119,589 $103,502 50%(Median)
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Best-Paying Cities for Materials Lead

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Materials Lead profession are San Jose , Santa Clara , Saratoga , Sunnyvale , Los Gatos .
San Jose, CA $117,765
Santa Clara, CA $117,765
Saratoga, CA $117,765
Sunnyvale, CA $117,765
Los Gatos, CA $117,765

Best-Paying States for Materials Lead

The states and districts that pay Materials Lead the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $104,440) , California (around $103,502) , New Jersey (around $102,845) , Alaska (around $102,188) , and Massachusetts (around $102,094) .
District of Columbia $104,440
California $103,502
New Jersey $102,845
Alaska $102,188
Massachusetts $102,094

What is the Career Path of Materials Lead?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For Materials Lead, the upper level is Materials Management Manager , and then progresses to SVP of Material Management
Besides, Materials Lead can also turn to other related jobs, including Materials Planner IV , Materials Management Analyst IV , Materials Processing Engineer IV and Materials Planning Manager .

Frequently Asked Questions for Materials Lead

Q: What is the salary range of Materials Lead in California?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Materials Lead in California earned an average annual salary of $89,541 , while the highest-paid made $119,589.
Q: What is the salary for a Materials Lead in California?
A: Materials Lead employed in California earned an average salary of $103,502 in 2025.

Average Materials Lead Pay vs. Other Jobs

Materials Lead earned an average salary of $103,502 in 2025. Other jobs related to Materials Lead earned the following average salary in March, 2025. Materials Planner IV made $123,622 , Materials Management Analyst IV made $112,403 , Materials Processing Engineer IV and Materials Planning Manager made $133,969 and $132,128 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Materials Lead

Materials Planner IV - Average Salary $123,622
Reviews sales forecasts, product specifications, and production schedules to accurately determine raw material requirements for an organization. Ensures raw materials are available to meet designated production schedules. Utilizes MRP system to coordinate materials from purchasing, processing, warehousing, and production. Documents material details, including all codes, brands, and contact information necessary to process orders. Updates orders to account for remaining inventory or changes in production schedules. Typically 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.
Materials Management Analyst IV - Average Salary $112,403
Supports daily operations and planning to optimize the flow of raw materials, supplies, and equipment from initial procurement to the final disposition and fulfill material requirements for volume, cost, and scheduling business operations. Uses material requirements plans, production schedules, and inventory data to maintain the required flow of materials. Coordinates with procurement, warehouse, and distribution operations to manage and monitor workflows crucial to the flow of materials. Monitors operations, troubleshoots operational roadblocks, and expedites material availability. Tracks and analyzes inventory levels and develops reports, dashboards, and other resources to facilitate material management processes. Typically requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent. 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.
Materials Processing Engineer IV - Average Salary $133,969
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.
Materials Planning Manager - Average Salary $132,128
Manages the raw material planning processes to ensure an organization operates efficiently. Ensures raw materials are available to meet designated production schedules. Utilizes MRP system to manage material planning from purchasing, processing, warehousing, and production. Develops forecasts for raw material needs by considering purchases, production rates, and maintenance schedules. Coordinates with stakeholders in purchasing and inventory control when adjustments are needed and troubleshoots complex issues as necessary. Maintains supplier relationships and may negotiate lead times. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a director. Manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1 - 3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes.
Materials Planning Director - Average Salary $192,768
Develops and directs the overall raw material planning and operations of an organization. Ensures raw materials are available to meet designated production schedules. Utilizes MRP system to monitor material planning from purchasing, processing, warehousing, and production. Coordinates with stakeholders in purchasing and inventory control to develop master plans and forecasts to ensure material needs are met. Manages supplier relationships and negotiates lead times and favorable terms on recurring orders. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to senior management. Manages a departmental sub-function within a broader departmental function. Creates functional strategies and specific objectives for the sub-function and develops budgets/policies/procedures to support the functional infrastructure. Typically requires 5+ years of managerial experience. Deep knowledge of the managed sub-function and solid knowledge of the overall departmental function.