Materials engineers
🤍 Save CareerMaterials engineers play a vital role in the US economy, with 23K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $108,310, with projected growth of 6% through 2034 (Faster than average).
💰 Salary Range
📈 Growth Outlook
moderate — 6% projected growth🤖 AI Automation Risk
Significant portions of this job could be automated by AI.
🤖AI Impact Deep Dive: Materials engineers
🔬 AI Impact Deep Dive: Materials engineers
AI Collaboration Score
Measures how much AI tools are used as collaborative assistants in this role (0% = no AI involvement, 100% = AI-intensive workflow)
🔮 Future Outlook
Materials engineering is heavily reliant on digital simulation, data analysis, and computational modeling, areas where AI and machine learning are already accelerating material discovery and property prediction. While the role requires physical lab work and manufacturing oversight, a significant portion of the core value—designing alloys, analyzing failures, and writing technical reports—is increasingly susceptible to AI-driven productivity gains and automation.
Analysis based on Microsoft "Working with AI" research (2025), O*NET task data v30.2, and Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational projections. Updated March 2026.
🌅A Day in the Life
🌟Career Outlook & Getting Started
Why It's Promising
With 6% projected growth and a median salary of $108,310, this career offers steady prospects. While the field is specialized, demand remains consistent.
How to Get Started
Entry typically requires bachelor's degree. Start by exploring relevant AP courses in high school, gaining hands-on experience through internships or volunteering, and connecting with professionals in the field.
Who Is It For
Anyone interested in materials engineers who wants to build a rewarding career in this field.
🎓Majors & Top Schools
❓Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Materials engineers make in 2026?▼
The median salary for a Materials engineers is $108,310 per year. Entry-level positions start around $64,986, while experienced professionals can earn up to $173,296 depending on location, specialization, and industry.
How do I become a Materials engineers?▼
Entry typically requires bachelor's degree. Start by exploring relevant AP courses in high school, gaining hands-on experience through internships or volunteering, and connecting with professionals in the field. The typical education requirement is bachelor's degree.
What degree do you need to be a Materials engineers?▼
Most Materials engineers positions require bachelor's degree. However, some professionals enter the field through alternative paths like bootcamps, certifications, or self-directed learning.
What AP courses should I take to become a Materials engineers?▼
Check PathLeap for personalized AP course recommendations for Materials engineers. The right AP courses depend on your target college major and career specialization.
What does a Materials engineers do on a daily basis?▼
As a materials engineer, your day involves a mix of specialized tasks that require both expertise and adaptability. You work with colleagues, clients, or patients depending on the setting, applying your training to solve real-world problems.
Is Materials engineers a good career in 2026?▼
With 6% projected growth and a median salary of $108,310, this career offers steady prospects. While the field is specialized, demand remains consistent. Job growth is projected at 6%, which is declining. The median salary of $108,310 also positions it competitively in the job market.
Will AI replace Materials engineerss?▼
Materials engineers has an AI automation risk score of 70/100 (High). This career faces significant evolution from AI. However, new specialized roles are emerging that combine domain expertise with AI capabilities.
What kind of person makes a good Materials engineers?▼
Anyone interested in materials engineers who wants to build a rewarding career in this field. Success in this role also depends on continuous learning and adaptability, especially as the field evolves with new technology and industry trends.
Is Materials engineers Right for You?
Take our career quiz to see how Materials engineers matches your personality. Get personalized AP course recommendations and see what similar students are exploring.
Free · No signup required