Materials Engineers

Median salary, education path, job outlook, and related careers — based on U.S. labor data.

What a Materials Engineers does

Materials engineers develop, test, and improve materials like metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites for use in products ranging from aircraft to medical devices. They study material properties and find ways to make them stronger, lighter, or more durable.

Education & path

The typical entry point is a bachelor's degree. About 4 years.

Estimated cost of that path: ~$40,000. Estimated payback: ~2 years. Estimates only — actual cost varies widely by school and financial aid; payback assumes ~20% of income applied.

Related careers

• Civil Engineers — $100,840/yr
• Transportation Engineers — $100,840/yr
• Water/Wastewater Engineers — $100,840/yr
• Manufacturing Engineers — $102,440/yr
• Validation Engineers — $102,440/yr