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.
- O*NET-SOC code
17-2131.00 - Preparation Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Wages
Median annual wage, U.S.$112,860
Employment, U.S.22,770
Median hourly wage$54.26
| 10th | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $72,300 | $88,080 | $112,860 | $142,720 | $175,720 |
By state (45)
| State | Employment | Median annual | Location quotient |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 650 | $107,580 | 2.11 |
| Alaska | 70 | $123,360 | 1.36 |
| Arizona | 580 | $106,810 | 1.23 |
| Arkansas | 90 | $103,900 | 0.48 |
| California | 3,020 | $128,470 | 1.13 |
| Colorado | 810 | $124,030 | 1.92 |
| Connecticut | 420 | $122,300 | 1.68 |
| Delaware | 40 | $131,320 | 0.51 |
| Florida | 690 | $118,780 | 0.47 |
| Georgia | 700 | $100,840 | 0.98 |
| Idaho | 90 | $105,820 | 0.71 |
| Illinois | 290 | $126,620 | 0.33 |
| Indiana | 570 | $101,120 | 1.21 |
| Iowa | 200 | $64,270 | 0.87 |
| Kansas | 270 | $100,000 | 1.28 |
| Kentucky | 280 | $100,620 | 0.94 |
| Louisiana | 90 | $128,670 | 0.31 |
| Maine | 100 | $97,110 | 1.08 |
| Maryland | 740 | $140,640 | 1.82 |
| Massachusetts | 1,360 | $114,100 | 2.56 |
| Michigan | 810 | $94,050 | 1.25 |
| Minnesota | 150 | $106,220 | 0.34 |
| Mississippi | 100 | $78,700 | 0.59 |
| Missouri | 300 | $98,860 | 0.70 |
| Montana | 90 | $76,030 | 1.25 |
| Nebraska | 160 | $98,270 | 1.06 |
| Nevada | 100 | $99,010 | 0.44 |
| New Hampshire | 70 | $101,290 | 0.68 |
| New Jersey | 260 | $106,920 | 0.41 |
| New Mexico | 450 | $165,600 | 3.56 |
| New York | 590 | $125,900 | 0.42 |
| North Carolina | 640 | $104,240 | 0.88 |
| Ohio | 1,790 | $106,510 | 2.20 |
| Oklahoma | 240 | $99,950 | 0.97 |
| Oregon | 120 | $122,850 | 0.43 |
| Pennsylvania | 720 | $98,030 | 0.81 |
| Rhode Island | 50 | $87,180 | 0.66 |
| South Carolina | 600 | $121,610 | 1.77 |
| Tennessee | 330 | $91,940 | 0.70 |
| Texas | 1,440 | $117,700 | 0.70 |
| Utah | 460 | $88,080 | 1.79 |
| Virginia | 620 | $116,720 | 1.03 |
| Washington | 1,000 | $139,840 | 1.92 |
| Wisconsin | 280 | $96,210 | 0.66 |
| Wyoming | 40 | $110,970 | 0.90 |
Similar occupations
Similarity is our measure: the cosine of importance x level over all 120 O*NET skills, knowledge areas and abilities. It is not an O*NET finding. More.
Circles are the 20 most similar occupations, coloured by Job Zone. Lines join pairs where one is among the other's 10 most similar; darker lines are pairs O*NET also lists as related. Drag a circle to move it out of the way; select one to open it.
| # | Occupation | Job Zone | Similarity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Materials Scientists | 4 | 0.987 |
| 2 | Nanosystems Engineers | 5 | 0.982 |
| 3 | Chemical Engineers | 4 | 0.981 |
| 4 | Fuel Cell Engineers | 4 | 0.978 |
| 5 | Automotive Engineers | 4 | 0.971 |
| 6 | Aerospace Engineers | 4 | 0.970 |
| 7 | Nuclear Engineers | 4 | 0.969 |
| 8 | Photonics Engineers | 4 | 0.968 |
| 9 | Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers | 4 | 0.968 |
| 10 | Electrical Engineers | 4 | 0.967 |
One skill away
Among the 50 occupations most similar to Materials Engineers, those at the same Job Zone or lower, where exactly one skill rated at least 3 in importance needs a level more than 0.75 points higher (on O*NET's 0-7 level scale). Our definition. Change the thresholds.
| Occupation | Skill to build | Level gap | Similarity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel Cell Engineers | Troubleshooting | 1.50 | 0.978 |
| Automotive Engineers | Technology Design | 0.76 | 0.971 |
| Photonics Engineers | Technology Design | 0.76 | 0.968 |
| Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers | Time Management | 0.76 | 0.968 |
| Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers | Programming | 2.38 | 0.954 |
| Electronics Engineers, Except Computer | Troubleshooting | 1.62 | 0.951 |
| Marine Engineers and Naval Architects | Operation and Control | 0.87 | 0.940 |
| Water Resource Specialists | Time Management | 0.76 | 0.940 |
| Water/Wastewater Engineers | Time Management | 0.76 | 0.939 |
| Civil Engineers | Time Management | 0.88 | 0.933 |
Software to learn next
Software used by at least 3 of the 20 occupations most similar to Materials Engineers, excluding software Materials Engineers already lists and any you named. Ranked by how many of them use it, weighted by how much more common it is among them than across all occupations (lift). Our ranking.
| Software | Similar jobs using it | Lift |
|---|---|---|
| C | 13 of 20 | 8.7x |
| Structure query language SQL | 7 of 20 | 15.4x |
| C# | 9 of 20 | 7.6x |
| Linux | 12 of 20 | 4.5x |
| Oracle Java | 11 of 20 | 5.1x |
| Maplesoft Maple | 6 of 20 | 18.5x |
| Rapid prototyping software | 5 of 20 | 28.8x |
| Microsoft Visual Studio | 8 of 20 | 8.0x |
| MathWorks Simulink | 6 of 20 | 14.6x |
| Finite element method FEM software | 5 of 20 | 21.0x |
Skills
From O*NET data. Importance is rated 1 to 5 and level 0 to 7.
| Skill | Type | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | Essential skill | 4.00 | 5.00 |
| Science | Essential skill | 4.00 | 4.88 |
| Speaking | Essential skill | 4.00 | 4.50 |
| Writing | Essential skill | 4.00 | 4.50 |
| Active Listening | Essential skill | 4.00 | 4.38 |
| Critical Thinking | Essential skill | 4.00 | 4.38 |
| Mathematics | Essential skill | 4.00 | 4.38 |
| Complex Problem Solving | Transferable skill | 4.00 | 4.25 |
| Active Learning | Essential skill | 3.75 | 4.75 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | Transferable skill | 3.62 | 4.00 |
| Quality Control Analysis | Transferable skill | 3.38 | 4.12 |
| Operations Analysis | Transferable skill | 3.25 | 4.12 |
| Monitoring | Essential skill | 3.25 | 4.00 |
| Systems Analysis | Transferable skill | 3.25 | 3.88 |
| Systems Evaluation | Transferable skill | 3.25 | 3.62 |
| Operations Monitoring | Transferable skill | 3.12 | 3.38 |
| Instructing | Transferable skill | 3.00 | 3.88 |
| Learning Strategies | Essential skill | 3.00 | 3.50 |
| Coordination | Transferable skill | 3.00 | 3.38 |
| Management of Personnel Resources | Transferable skill | 3.00 | 3.38 |
| Social Perceptiveness | Transferable skill | 3.00 | 3.12 |
| Time Management | Transferable skill | 3.00 | 3.12 |
| Persuasion | Transferable skill | 3.00 | 3.00 |
| Negotiation | Transferable skill | 2.88 | 2.88 |
| Technology Design | Transferable skill | 2.75 | 3.12 |
| Service Orientation | Transferable skill | 2.75 | 2.88 |
| Management of Material Resources | Transferable skill | 2.62 | 2.75 |
| Management of Financial Resources | Transferable skill | 2.38 | 2.88 |
| Operation and Control | Transferable skill | 2.25 | 2.25 |
| Troubleshooting | Transferable skill | 1.88 | 1.50 |
| Equipment Selection | Transferable skill | 1.75 | 1.38 |
| Programming | Transferable skill | 1.62 | 1.00 |
| Equipment Maintenance | Transferable skill | 1.25 | not rated |
| Repairing | Transferable skill | 1.25 | not rated |
| Installation | Transferable skill | 1.00 | not rated |
Knowledge (33) and abilities (52)
| Name | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering and Technology | 4.71 | 6.28 |
| Mathematics | 4.25 | 5.38 |
| Production and Processing | 4.17 | 4.64 |
| Physics | 4.12 | 5.32 |
| English Language | 3.88 | 4.24 |
| Chemistry | 3.75 | 4.92 |
| Computers and Electronics | 3.44 | 4.72 |
| Design | 3.40 | 4.60 |
| Mechanical | 3.20 | 4.32 |
| Education and Training | 2.76 | 3.76 |
| Administration and Management | 2.68 | 3.50 |
| Administrative | 2.58 | 3.28 |
| Customer and Personal Service | 2.32 | 2.52 |
| Communications and Media | 2.24 | 2.24 |
| Public Safety and Security | 2.17 | 2.29 |
| Economics and Accounting | 2.16 | 2.16 |
| Building and Construction | 2.12 | 2.24 |
| Sales and Marketing | 2.08 | 2.32 |
| Personnel and Human Resources | 1.96 | 2.16 |
| Law and Government | 1.88 | 1.79 |
| Telecommunications | 1.72 | 1.28 |
| Transportation | 1.72 | 1.28 |
| Biology | 1.64 | 1.60 |
| Geography | 1.64 | 1.48 |
| Foreign Language | 1.44 | 0.80 |
| Medicine and Dentistry | 1.36 | not rated |
| Philosophy and Theology | 1.36 | not rated |
| Psychology | 1.36 | not rated |
| History and Archeology | 1.32 | not rated |
| Sociology and Anthropology | 1.24 | not rated |
| Food Production | 1.20 | not rated |
| Therapy and Counseling | 1.20 | not rated |
| Fine Arts | 1.12 | not rated |
| Name | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Category Flexibility | 4.00 | 5.12 |
| Deductive Reasoning | 4.00 | 5.00 |
| Oral Comprehension | 4.00 | 5.00 |
| Oral Expression | 4.00 | 4.88 |
| Written Comprehension | 4.00 | 4.88 |
| Written Expression | 4.00 | 4.88 |
| Inductive Reasoning | 4.00 | 4.75 |
| Problem Sensitivity | 4.00 | 4.50 |
| Information Ordering | 4.00 | 4.12 |
| Mathematical Reasoning | 3.88 | 4.75 |
| Near Vision | 3.88 | 3.88 |
| Fluency of Ideas | 3.75 | 4.25 |
| Originality | 3.75 | 4.25 |
| Speech Clarity | 3.50 | 3.50 |
| Number Facility | 3.25 | 4.12 |
| Flexibility of Closure | 3.25 | 3.38 |
| Visualization | 3.12 | 3.75 |
| Perceptual Speed | 3.12 | 3.00 |
| Selective Attention | 3.00 | 3.00 |
| Speech Recognition | 3.00 | 3.00 |
| Far Vision | 2.75 | 2.88 |
| Speed of Closure | 2.75 | 2.75 |
| Visual Color Discrimination | 2.75 | 2.75 |
| Time Sharing | 2.38 | 2.00 |
| Finger Dexterity | 2.25 | 1.88 |
| Memorization | 2.12 | 2.25 |
| Auditory Attention | 2.12 | 2.00 |
| Manual Dexterity | 2.12 | 1.88 |
| Control Precision | 2.00 | 1.88 |
| Arm-Hand Steadiness | 2.00 | 1.75 |
| Depth Perception | 1.88 | 1.62 |
| Wrist-Finger Speed | 1.88 | 1.38 |
| Hearing Sensitivity | 1.75 | 1.50 |
| Trunk Strength | 1.75 | 1.12 |
| Reaction Time | 1.75 | 0.88 |
| Multilimb Coordination | 1.75 | 0.75 |
| Rate Control | 1.62 | 0.75 |
| Response Orientation | 1.25 | not rated |
| Extent Flexibility | 1.12 | not rated |
| Spatial Orientation | 1.12 | not rated |
| Dynamic Flexibility | 1.00 | not rated |
| Dynamic Strength | 1.00 | not rated |
| Explosive Strength | 1.00 | not rated |
| Glare Sensitivity | 1.00 | not rated |
| Gross Body Coordination | 1.00 | not rated |
| Gross Body Equilibrium | 1.00 | not rated |
| Night Vision | 1.00 | not rated |
| Peripheral Vision | 1.00 | not rated |
| Sound Localization | 1.00 | not rated |
| Speed of Limb Movement | 1.00 | not rated |
| Stamina | 1.00 | not rated |
| Static Strength | 1.00 | not rated |
Software used
Examples from O*NET data. "Hot" and "in demand" are O*NET flags for technologies often listed in job postings.
- Microsoft Excel in demand
- Microsoft Office software in demand
- Microsoft PowerPoint in demand
- Autodesk AutoCAD hot
- C++ hot
- Dassault Systemes SolidWorks hot
- Microsoft Access hot
- Microsoft Outlook hot
- Microsoft SharePoint hot
- Microsoft Visio hot
- Microsoft Visual Basic hot
- Microsoft Word hot
- Oracle Database hot
- Python hot
- SAP software hot
- The MathWorks MATLAB hot
- ANSYS Multiphysics
- Dassault Systemes CATIA
- Digital image correlation DIC software
- Fault detection isolation and recovery FDIR software
- Finite element analysis software
- Formula translation/translator FORTRAN
- Fused deposition modeling FDM rapid prototyping systems
- Graphics software
- IBM Notes
- Image analysis systems
- MTS Testworks
- Microsoft Visual Basic.NET
- Minitab
- National Instruments LabVIEW
All 34
- PTC Creo Parametric
- QMC CM4D
- Stereolithography SLA rapid prototyping systems
- Web browser software
Where it concentrates
Metro areas ranked by BLS location quotient: the occupation's share of the area's jobs divided by its share of all US jobs. Above 1 means more concentrated than the nation. Metros employing fewer than 100 are left out.
| Metro area | Employment | Location quotient | Median annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boulder, CO | 210 | 7.58 | $151,940 |
| Huntsville, AL | 280 | 7.07 | $120,720 |
| Toledo, OH | 260 | 6.00 | $110,620 |
| Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek, OH | 260 | 4.85 | $137,290 |
| Worcester, MA | 220 | 4.27 | $114,100 |
| Wichita, KS | 190 | 4.25 | $100,000 |
| Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL | 130 | 3.65 | $123,720 |
| Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC | 230 | 3.64 | $106,580 |
| Charleston-North Charleston, SC | 200 | 3.49 | $131,080 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | 550 | 3.32 | $156,730 |