Materials engineers
Materials engineers is an occupation catalogued under SOC 17-2131. The role reports a median annual salary of $108,310 in the US and is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (about as fast as average). Entry typically requires a Bachelor's degree, and shows moderate AI exposure (0.46 on a 0-1 scale) — some tasks are being automated but the role adapts. The most in-demand skills for the role include plastic resins, quality standards, types of plastic, optimise production processes parameters, measure furnace temperature.
Top skills
Frequently asked questions
How much does Materials engineers earn?
The median annual salary for Materials engineers in the US is $108,310.
What is the job outlook for Materials engineers?
The role is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (about as fast as average). Current US employment is approximately 23,000 workers.
How do I become materials engineers?
The typical entry education is a Bachelor's degree. Building a foundation in the top skills below will strengthen your application.
What skills does Materials engineers need?
The most in-demand skills for this role include plastic resins, quality standards, types of plastic, optimise production processes parameters, measure furnace temperature, maintain furnace temperature. These are the skills O*NET identifies as most important for competent performance.
Will AI replace Materials engineers?
Our AI-durability model gives Materials engineers a score of 0.46 on a 0-1 scale (higher = more exposure). That places it at moderate AI exposure — some tasks are being automated but the role adapts. Learning to work with AI tools rather than against them is the path forward.
How hard is it to enter this field?
Materials engineers has moderate barrier to entry — moderately gated — a bachelor's degree or equivalent training is typically required.
Is Materials engineers right for you?
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