Materials engineers
SOC Code: 17-2131Also known as:
Automotive Sheet Metal Engineer, Ceramic Design Engineer, Ceramic Engineer, Ceramic Research Engineer, Ceramics Test Engineer
Median Annual Salary
$108,310
+5.7% growth (2024-2034)
2K
Openings/Year
23K
Current Jobs
What Materials engineers Do
Evaluate materials and develop machinery and processes to manufacture materials for use in products that must meet specialized design and performance specifications. Develop new uses for known materials. Includes those engineers working with composite materials or specializing in one type of material, such as graphite, metal and metal alloys, ceramics and glass, plastics and polymers, and naturally occurring materials. Includes metallurgists and metallurgical engineers, ceramic engineers, and welding engineers.
💰 Salary
$108,310
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+5.7%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
Bachelor's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
2K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
23,000
Projected Employment (2034)
24,300
Related Careers
Chemical engineers
$121,860 •
+2.6% growth
Industrial engineers
$101,140 •
+11.0% growth
Mechanical engineers
$102,320 •
+9.1% growth
Materials scientists
$104,160 •
+4.9% growth
Top Skills Required
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Science
Complex Problem Solving
Critical Thinking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Analyze product failure data and laboratory test results to determine causes of problems and develop solutions.
- Design and direct the testing or control of processing procedures.
- Monitor material performance, and evaluate its deterioration.
- Conduct or supervise tests on raw materials or finished products to ensure their quality.
- Evaluate technical specifications and economic factors relating to process or product design objectives.
- Modify properties of metal alloys, using thermal and mechanical treatments.
- Determine appropriate methods for fabricating and joining materials.
- Guide technical staff in developing materials for specific uses in projected products or devices.
- Review new product plans, and make recommendations for material selection, based on design objectives such as strength, weight, heat resistance, electrical conductivity, and cost.
- Supervise the work of technologists, technicians, and other engineers and scientists.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Bachelor's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Materials engineers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a materials engineers:
Materials Engineering
3,129 degrees awarded •
112 colleges offer this program
Textile Sciences and Engineering
275 degrees awarded •
4 colleges offer this program
Polymer/Plastics Engineering
264 degrees awarded •
14 colleges offer this program
Metallurgical Engineering
164 degrees awarded •
10 colleges offer this program
Ceramic Sciences and Engineering
77 degrees awarded •
4 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Materials engineers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become materials engineers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do materials engineers make?
The median annual salary for materials engineers is $108,310.
What education do materials engineers need?
Most materials engineers positions require a bachelor's degree.
Common degree programs include Materials Engineering, Textile Sciences and Engineering, Polymer/Plastics Engineering.
Is becoming materials engineers a good career choice?
Materials engineers is projected to see +5.7% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 1,500 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for materials engineers?
Top colleges for aspiring materials engineers include
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, University of California-Los Angeles, Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus, University of Florida, Northwestern University.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to materials engineers?
Materials engineers may also be known as: Automotive Sheet Metal Engineer, Ceramic Design Engineer, Ceramic Engineer, Ceramic Research Engineer, Ceramics Test Engineer, Corrosion Engineer, Design Engineer, Engineer, Extractive Metallurgist, Extrusion Engineer, Failure Analysis Engineer, Forensic Materials Engineer, Foundry Metallurgist, Foundry Process Engineer, Glass Science Engineer, Green Building Materials Designer, Material Analyst, Material Science And Testing Engineer, Materials Development Engineer, Materials Engineer.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.