Careers · Materials Engineers · California
Materials Engineers in California
Materials engineers evaluate existing materials and develop new ones to meet specific performance requirements for manufactured products. They design machinery and processes for material production, and work with substances like metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites In California the median pay is $128,470 a year, 14% above the national median of $112,860.
$128,470median pay in California, per year
$103,250–$157,980middle half earn
3,020employed in California
$112,860U.S. median, for comparison
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against materials engineers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against materials engineers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Who is hiring in California
81open roles like this on employer career sites, 35 in California or remote
11employers hiring
29posted in the last 7 days
CA · TX · AZwhere most openings are
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningWritingSpeakingMathematicsScienceCritical ThinkingComplex Problem Solving
Knowledge areas
Engineering and TechnologyMathematics (knowledge)Production and ProcessingPhysicsEnglish LanguageChemistry
Full profile, interests that fit, certifications and training: Materials Engineers.
Licenses and training in California
Materials Engineers pay in other states
New Mexico · $165,600Maryland · $140,640Washington · $139,840Delaware · $131,320Louisiana · $128,670Illinois · $126,620New York · $125,900Colorado · $124,030Alaska · $123,360Oregon · $122,850
Related occupations
Aerospace EngineersAgricultural EngineersBioengineers and Biomedical EngineersChemical EngineersCivil EngineersTransportation EngineersWater/Wastewater EngineersComputer Hardware Engineers
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against materials engineers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against materials engineers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 17-2131.00. Pay: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, California, annual.