As of May 18, 2021, the average salary for an Entry Materials Engineer in the United States is $76,600 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $37.
However, an Entry Materials Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Entry Materials Engineer'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 an Entry Materials Engineer'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Materials Engineer | 0-2 years | $76,576 |
| Intermediate Materials Engineer | 2-4 years | $90,427 |
| Materials Evaluation and Analysis Engineer III | 4-7 years | $102,360 |
| Materials Evaluation and Analysis Engineer IV | 7+ years | $124,895 |
| Expert Materials Engineer | 7-10 years | $152,851 |
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 Entry Materials Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 17.48% |
| Material Flow | 2.03% |
| Continuous Improvement | 1.22% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Verbal Communication
|
$85,026 |
11%
|
|
Project Management
|
$85,026 |
11%
|
|
Materials Engineering
|
$83,494 |
9%
|
|
Leadership
|
$83,494 |
9%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$82,728 |
8%
|
|
Mechanical Engineering
|
$81,196 |
6%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Entry Materials Engineers enter the field with a Associate'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 an Entry Materials Engineer with a Associate's Degree is between $75,255 and $79,388).
Entry Materials Engineer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.4% |
| High School | 1.4% |
| Associates | 0.9% |
| Bachelors | 56.5% |
| Masters | 30.4% |
| Doctorate | 10.7% |
Understanding how an Entry Materials Engineer'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 May 18, 2021Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Entry Materials Engineer, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Ceramics Manufacturing Engineer | $90,500 | 18% |
| Intermediate Materials Engineer | $90,500 | 18% |
| Alloy and Materials Engineer II | $90,500 | 18% |
Salaries for an Entry Materials Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $71,234 in 2023 to around $70,507 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Entry Materials Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $71,234 |
| 2024 | $70,837 |
| 2025 | $70,507 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Entry Materials Engineer and their salaries, click below for more details.
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Engineers typically do not start at a $250k salary. For example, an Entry Materials Engineer has a salary range of $73,500 to $88,200, with a midpoint of $80,600. Higher-level positions, such as Senior Engineers or specialized roles, may reach or exceed $250k, but entry-level roles are significantly lower.
Yes, materials engineers are in demand. Employment is projected to grow 7% from 2023 to 2033, which is faster than the average for all occupations. On average, about 1,700 openings for materials engineers are expected each year. The salary for entry-level positions ranges from $73,500 to $88,200, with a median salary of $80,600.
For an entry-level Materials Engineer, you should consider asking for a salary between $73,500 and $88,200, with a midpoint of around $80,600. This range reflects the current market rates and can help you negotiate effectively based on your skills and experience.
The highest salary for an Entry Materials Engineer is $88,200. For comparison, Senior Materials Engineers can earn between $110,000 and $310,000, while Lead Materials Engineers typically earn between $80,000 and $90,000.
Based on current trends, the most in-demand engineering fields for 2025 include Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science Engineering, Electronics and Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Chemical Engineering. For an Entry Materials Engineer, salaries range from $73,500 to $88,200, with a midpoint of $80,600, reflecting the growing demand in this sector.
Entry-level Materials Engineers typically earn between $73,500 and $88,200 annually, with a median salary of around $80,600. While some engineering roles can reach $200,000, such as Senior ASIC Verification Engineers or specialized positions in software and security, these are generally not entry-level positions.
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.)
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