### Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Materials Engineers Summary
                        
            
                                                        
                                                                
                        
            
            
            
                            
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                
            						
							
				                                                
                                            




            			materials engineers imageMaterials engineers develop, process, and test materials to create a wide range of products.							
						Quick Facts:     Materials Engineers2023     Median Pay
            						$104,100     per year
										$50.05     per hourTypical Entry-Level Education
                                    Bachelor's degreeWork Experience in a Related Occupation
                                    NoneOn-the-job Training
                                    NoneNumber of Jobs, 2022
                                    22,300Job Outlook, 2022-32
                                    5% (Faster than average)Employment Change, 2022-32
                                    1,100What Materials Engineers Do
                                                
                        
                        
Materials engineers develop, process, and test materials used to create a wide range of products.
            
                        Work Environment
                        
Materials engineers generally work in offices where they have access to computers and design equipment. Others work in factories or research and development laboratories. Materials engineers typically work full time and may work overtime hours when necessary.
            
                                                How to Become a Materials Engineer
                                                
                        
Materials engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in materials science and engineering or in a related engineering field. Completing internships and cooperative-engineering programs while in school may be helpful for gaining hands-on experience.
            
                        Pay
                        												                            																				    														The median annual wage for materials engineers was $104,100 in May 2023.									                                					
						
            
                        Job Outlook
                        						
												Employment							of materials engineers is projected to grow							 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
						About 1,500 openings for materials engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
            			
            			 Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
						State & Area Data
                       Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for materials engineers.
            
            
						
                        Similar Occupations
                        
                                                    Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of materials engineers with similar occupations.
            
            
                        More Information, Including Links to O*NET
                        
                                               
                        Learn more about materials engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
 What Materials Engineers Do 
            

			Materials engineersMaterials engineers work with metals, ceramics, and plastics to create new materials.			
Materials engineers develop, process, and test materials used to create a range of products, from computer chips and aircraft wings to golf clubs and biomedical devices. They study the properties and structures of metals, ceramics, plastics, composites, nanomaterials (extremely small substances), and other substances in order to create new materials that meet certain mechanical, electrical, and chemical requirements. They also help select materials for specific products and develop new ways to use existing materials.
Duties
Materials engineers typically do the following:
Plan and evaluate new projects, consulting with other engineers and managers as necessary
Prepare proposals and budgets, analyze labor costs, write reports, and perform other managerial tasks
Supervise the work of technologists, technicians, and other engineers and scientists
Design and direct the testing of processing procedures
Monitor how materials perform and evaluate how they deteriorate
Determine causes of product failure and develop ways of overcoming such failure
Evaluate technical specifications and economic factors relating to the design objectives of processes or products
Evaluate the impact of materials processing on the environmentMaterials engineers create and study materials at the atomic level. They use computers to understand and model the characteristics of materials and their components. They solve problems in several different engineering fields, such as mechanical, chemical, electrical, civil, nuclear, and aerospace.
Materials engineers may specialize in understanding specific types of materials. The following are examples of types of materials engineers:
***Ceramic engineers*** develop ceramic materials and the processes for making them into useful products, from high-temperature rocket nozzles to glass for LCD flat-panel displays.
***Composites engineers*** develop materials with special, engineered properties for applications in aircraft, automobiles, and related products.
***Metallurgical engineers*** specialize in metals, such as steel and aluminum, usually in alloyed form with additions of other elements to provide specific properties.
***Plastics engineers*** develop and test new plastics, known as polymers, for new applications.
***Semiconductor processing engineers*** apply materials science and engineering principles to develop new microelectronic materials for computing, sensing, and related applications.
 Work Environment
			Materials engineersMaterials engineers may work in laboratories or industrial settings to observe the results of their research and development.			

	    
				
	
	
	
	
	
	
	    					 Materials engineers held about 22,300 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of materials engineers were as follows:
        Transportation equipment manufacturing
                14%Computer and electronic product manufacturing
                13Engineering services
                10Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences
                6Primary metal manufacturing
                6Materials engineers often work in offices where they have access to computers and design equipment. Others work in factories or research and development laboratories. Materials engineers may work in teams with scientists and engineers from other backgrounds.
Work Schedules
Materials engineers generally work full time. Some materials engineers work more than 40 hours per week.
 How to Become a Materials Engineer

			Materials engineersMaterials engineers plan and evaluate new projects, consulting with others as necessary.			
Materials engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in materials science and engineering or in a related engineering field. Completing internships and cooperative-engineering programs while in school may be helpful for gaining hands-on experience.
Education
High school students interested in studying materials engineering should take classes in math, such as algebra, trigonometry, and calculus; science, such as biology, chemistry, and physics; and computer programming.
Entry-level jobs for materials engineers typically require a bachelor’s degree in engineering. Programs typically last 4 years and include classroom and laboratory work focusing on engineering principles.
Some colleges and universities offer a 5-year program leading to both a bachelor’s and master’s degree. A graduate degree allows an engineer to work as a postsecondary teacher or to do research and development.
Many colleges and universities offer internships and cooperative programs in partnership with industry employers. In these programs, students gain practical experience while completing their education.
Employers may prefer to hire graduates of engineering programs accredited by a professional association such as ABET. A degree from an accredited program is usually necessary to become a licensed professional engineer.
Important Qualities
***Analytical skills.*** Materials engineers often work on projects related to other fields of engineering. They must determine how materials will be used and how they must be structured to withstand different conditions.
***Math skills.*** Materials engineers use the principles of calculus and other advanced topics in math for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work.
***Problem-solving skills.*** Materials engineers must understand the relationship between materials’ structures, their properties, how they are made, and how these factors affect the products they are used to make. They must also figure out why a product might have failed, design a solution, and then conduct tests to make sure that the product does not fail again. These skills involve being able to identify root causes when many factors could be at fault.
***Speaking skills.*** While working with technicians, technologists, and other engineers, materials engineers must state concepts and directions clearly. When speaking with managers, these engineers must also communicate engineering concepts to people who may not have an engineering background.
***Writing skills.*** Materials engineers must write plans and reports clearly so that people without a materials engineering background can understand the concepts.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Licensure for materials engineers is not as common as it is for other engineering occupations, nor it is required for entry-level positions. A Professional Engineering (PE) license, which allows for higher levels of leadership and independence, can be acquired later in one’s career. Licensed engineers are called professional engineers (PEs). A PE can oversee the work of other engineers, sign off on projects, and provide services directly to the public. State licensure generally requires
A degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program
A passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam
Relevant work experience, typically at least 4 years
A passing score on the Professional Engineering (PE) examThe initial FE exam can be taken after earning a bachelor’s degree. Engineers who pass this exam are commonly called engineers in training (EITs) or engineer interns (EIs). After meeting work experience requirements, EITs and EIs can take the second exam, called the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE).
Each state issues its own licenses. Most states recognize licensure from other states, as long as the licensing state’s requirements meet or exceed their own licensure requirements. Several states require continuing education for engineers to keep their licenses.
Certification in the field of metallography, the science and art of dealing with the structure of metals and alloys, is available through ASM International and other materials science organizations.
Additional training in fields directly related to metallurgy and materials’ properties, such as corrosion or failure analysis, is available through ASM International.
Advancement
Junior materials engineers usually work under the supervision of experienced engineers. In large companies, new engineers may receive formal training in classrooms or seminars. As engineers gain knowledge and experience, they move on to more difficult projects where they have greater independence to develop designs, solve problems, and make decisions.
Eventually, materials engineers may advance to become technical specialists or to supervise a team of engineers and technicians. Many become engineering managers or move into other managerial positions or sales work. An engineering background is useful in sales because it enables sales engineers to discuss a product’s technical aspects and assist in product planning, installation, and use. For more information, see the profiles on architectural and engineering managers and sales engineers.
 Pay

			



	
 
                                                     
            
    
                Materials EngineersMedian annual wages, May 2023Materials engineers$104,100  Engineers$102,660  Total, all occupations$48,060Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
 

	
	



		
	
	
	
The median annual wage for materials engineers was $104,100 in May 2023. 


The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $63,340, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $165,580.





		
	    					 In May 2023, the median annual wages for materials engineers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Computer and electronic product manufacturing
                $125,900Transportation equipment manufacturing
                115,000Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences
                102,720Engineering services
                92,390Primary metal manufacturing
                87,800Most materials engineers work full time. Some materials engineers work more than 40 hours per week.
 Job Outlook

   
        
    
          
        
    
                Materials EngineersPercent change in employment, projected 2022-32Engineers7%  Materials engineers5%  Total, all occupations3%Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
            
            
			 
	
	
	

			Employment				of materials engineers is projected to grow				 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
			
			About 1,500 openings for materials engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
			
			 Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
			Employment
	
			
As demand for new materials and manufacturing processes continues to increase, more materials engineers are expected to be needed to help develop these products and systems.  For example, new metal alloys are expected to be developed to make airplanes lighter and more fuel efficient. A greater focus on environmental sustainability also may create demand for materials engineers.
			

                        Employment projections data for     materials engineers, 2022-32
                Occupational Title
                        SOC Code
                        Employment, 2022
                        Projected Employment, 2032
                        Change, 2022-32
                        Employment by IndustryPercent
                        NumericSOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program**Materials engineers**
			17-2131
			22,300
			23,500
			5
			1,100
			Get data
 State & Area Data **Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)** The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Materials engineers **Projections Central** Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved. **CareerOneStop** CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.
 Similar Occupations This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of materials engineers. Occupation
                Job Duties
                ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION
                2023     MEDIAN PAY**Aerospace Engineers**
            Aerospace engineers design, develop, and test aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles.
            Bachelor's degree
            $130,720**Architectural and Engineering Managers**
            Architectural and engineering managers plan, direct, and coordinate activities in the fields of architecture and engineering.
            Bachelor's degree
            $165,370**Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers**
            Bioengineers and biomedical engineers combine engineering principles with sciences to design and create equipment, devices, computer systems, and software.
            Bachelor's degree
            $100,730**Calibration Technologists and Technicians**
            Calibration technologists and technicians inspect, adjust, and test measurement devices against standards, such as those used in manufacturing, healthcare, and other industries.
            Associate's degree
            $62,790**Chemical Engineers**
            Chemical engineers apply the principles of chemistry, physics, and engineering to design equipment and processes for manufacturing products such as gasoline, detergents, and paper.
            Bachelor's degree
            $112,100**Chemists and Materials Scientists**
            Chemists and materials scientists research and analyze the chemical properties of substances to develop new materials, products, or knowledge.
            Bachelor's degree
            $87,180**Electrical and Electronics Engineers**
            Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacture of electrical equipment.
            Bachelor's degree
            $109,010**Mechanical Engineers**
            Mechanical engineers design, develop, build, and test mechanical and thermal sensors and devices.
            Bachelor's degree
            $99,510**Physicists and Astronomers**
            Physicists and astronomers study the interactions of matter and energy.
            Doctoral or professional degree
            $149,530**Sales Engineers**
            Sales engineers sell complex scientific and technological products or services to businesses.
            Bachelor's degree
            $116,950
 Contacts for More Information
								
For more information about materials engineering career resources, visit
The American Ceramic Society
American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical, and Petroleum Engineers
Materials Research Society
The Minerals, Metals and Materials Society
For information about general engineering career resources, visit
American Society for Engineering Education
Technology Student Association
For more information about licensure as a professional engineer, visit
National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying
National Society of Professional Engineers
For more information about certification, visit
ASM International
For more information about accredited engineering programs, visit
ABET


                                                
                                                        
                                                                                                    O*NET
                                        Materials Engineers
 Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.  Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Materials Engineers, 
        	 at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/materials-engineers.htm (visited *May 21, 2024*).
 **Last Modified Date:**
                        Wednesday, April 17, 2024


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