Materials Engineers
Evaluate materials and develop machinery and processes to manufacture materials for use in products that must meet specialized design and performance specifications. Develop new uses for known materials. Includes those engineers working with composite materials or specializing in one type of material, such as graphite, metal and metal alloys, ceramics and glass, plastics and polymers, and naturally occurring materials. Includes metallurgists and metallurgical engineers, ceramic engineers, and welding engineers.
How to read this profile
BLS projects U.S. employment for Materials Engineers to increase by 7.5% between 2024 and 2034, from 23,800 to 25,600 jobs. Its estimate of 1,300 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($112,860), education (Bachelor's degree), and related experience (None) figures on this profile describe typical U.S. employees. O*NET skills describe the occupation; they do not assess an individual worker's proficiency.
Base employment (2024)
23,800
Projected employment (2034)
25,600
Projected change (2024–2034)
8%
Annual openings (projected average)
1,300
Pay & Preparation
$112,860
Bachelor's degree
None
None
Essential Skills
Active Listening (4/5) • Mathematics (4/5) • Science (4/5) • Critical Thinking (4/5) • Writing (4/5) • Reading Comprehension (4/5)
O*NET describes occupational requirements; these ratings do not measure current job-posting frequency or an individual worker’s proficiency.
BLS projections are long-term estimates; annual openings include growth and replacement needs and are not current vacancies.
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