SOC 17-2131 · May 2025 · United States
Materials Engineers
National figures, with pay broken out by state and metro area
The median wage for Materials Engineers across the United States is $112,860 per year, measured over 22,770 jobs. The highest state median is in New Mexico, at $165,600.
National wage distribution · annual
Shaded band holds the middle 50% of earners
Where the pay is highest for Materials Engineers
Pay for this occupation varies by 157.7% between the highest and lowest paying states with published data. New Mexico pays $165,600 and Iowa pays $64,270.
| # | State | Median | Jobs | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Mexico | $165,600 | 450 | |
| 2 | Maryland | $140,640 | 740 | |
| 3 | Washington | $139,840 | 1,000 | |
| 4 | Delaware | $131,320 | 40 | |
| 5 | Louisiana | $128,670 | 90 | |
| 6 | California | $128,470 | 3,020 | |
| 7 | Illinois | $126,620 | 290 | |
| 8 | New York | $125,900 | 590 | |
| 9 | Colorado | $124,030 | 810 | |
| 10 | Alaska | $123,360 | 70 |
States with the most Materials Engineers jobs
| # | State | Jobs | Median | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 3,020 | $128,470 | |
| 2 | Ohio | 1,790 | $106,510 | |
| 3 | Texas | 1,440 | $117,700 | |
| 4 | Massachusetts | 1,360 | $114,100 | |
| 5 | Washington | 1,000 | $139,840 | |
| 6 | Colorado | 810 | $124,030 | |
| 7 | Michigan | 810 | $94,050 | |
| 8 | Maryland | 740 | $140,640 | |
| 9 | Pennsylvania | 720 | $98,030 | |
| 10 | Georgia | 700 | $100,840 |
Top-paying metro areas
Source and methodology
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 Salary Explorer is an independent project. It is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency. Full methodology.