Materials Engineers
O*NET 17-2131.00 · SOC 17-2131
Materials Engineer is a solid career choice. Median pay is $113k a year with +7.5% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 1,300 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Test material samples to evaluate mechanical or chemical properties.
- →Select appropriate metals, polymers, or composites for product applications.
- →Analyze material failures to determine root cause and prevention methods.
- →Develop specifications for heat treatment or surface coating processes.
- →Research new materials to improve product performance or reduce costs.
Education & How to Get In
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Materials Engineer roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites
Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Materials Engineer involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Materials Engineer?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Materials Engineer Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
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Job Outlook
Employment of Materials Engineers is projected to grow 7.5% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·30% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace
- ·32% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Materials Engineer make?
The median Materials Engineer earns $113k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Materials Engineer jobs?
Our model puts Materials Engineer at 36 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 30% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace; 32% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.
Is Materials Engineer a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 7.5% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 1,300 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Materials Engineer?
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Materials Engineer roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.
How long does it take to become a Materials Engineer?
Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Materials Engineer career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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