We used the latest data and insights to identify the Highest Paying Material Science Jobs so that you can learn and earn more.
Materials science is vital to physics and engineering, affecting everything from robotics to medicine. Whether you’re interested in finding the top jobs in materials science or learning more about how this field works, we’ve got you covered.
These are the highest-paying material science jobs.
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Table of Contents
#10. Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) Technician
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Comparably
- Low Range: $36,140 per year
- High Range: $95,340 per year
- Median Pay: $58,098 per year
What do they do?
Computer-aided drafting (CAD) Technicians work at companies that design and manufacture products made out of plastic, metal, or glass. They’re responsible for collecting information about how these products are made. Then they use that information to create computer models of each product.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
CAD Technicians have a bachelor’s degree in Computer-Aided Design or Computer-Aided Manufacturing. But it’s becoming more common for employers to look for applicants who have taken courses specific to their industry. For example, an architectural firm may require applicants who have taken classes on architectural drawing techniques or structural engineering principles before hiring them as CAD technicians.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
These professionals work in several industries, from engineering companies to architecture firms.
What’s the best way to get this job?
With your degree, you can get this job through networking with people in the industry who can refer you to jobs. You may also want to consider doing an internship while you’re still studying to get some hands-on experience before graduation.
What’s it like to be a CAD technician?
#9. Materials Process Engineer
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Payscale
- Low Range: $59,000 per year
- High Range: $69,000 per year
- Median Pay: $61,685 per year
What do they do?
Materials process engineers are in charge of the design and implementation of manufacturing processes to ensure quality and efficiency.
They help reduce waste and improve the quality of products by identifying areas that need improvements.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
This job needs a bachelor’s degree in engineering, emphasizing materials science or chemical engineering.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Materials process engineers work in the manufacturing processes in a variety of industries, including:
- Food and beverage.
- Pharmaceuticals.
- Electronics and computers.
- Manufacturing.
- Construction.
- Mining.
What’s the best way to get this job?
To become a materials process engineer, you should obtain an undergraduate degree in engineering. Then gain experience through internships, volunteer work, or entry-level positions.
What’s it like to be a materials process engineer?
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#8. Research and Development Engineer
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Comparably
- Low Range: $56,000 per year
- High Range: $84,000 per year
- Median Pay: $70,000 per year
What do they do?
Research and development engineers do a lot of research and development. They’re constantly trying new things out and ensuring their projects are on track. These R & D specialists work with other engineers and designers to develop new technology or improve existing technology.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
You need a bachelor’s degree in engineering and experience working in this field to be an R & D engineer. Besides education, you should have the ability to communicate with others and work well as part of a team.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Research and development engineers can find jobs at companies specializing in electronics or advanced manufacturing.
Their employers include:
- Manufacturing companies.
- Research labs.
- Universities and colleges.
- Government agencies that have research departments explicitly dedicated to product development.
What’s the best way to get this job?
Once you’ve earned your degree, you’ll need to build up your skills through hands-on experience before landing your first job. You may want to consider interning at companies dealing with product development before applying for full-time positions.
What’s it like to be a research and development engineer?
#7. Quality Engineer
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $36,000 per year
- High Range: $137,000 per year
- Median Pay: $70,013 per year
What do they do?
Quality engineers conduct in-depth testing, evaluation, and inspection of products and processes to ensure that they meet all requirements. They also develop and implement new quality control measures to ensure compliance with industry standards.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Most employers prefer to hire candidates with a bachelor’s degree in engineering. Still, many employers will consider candidates with a bachelor’s degree in any field. Candidates with a master’s degree are more likely to be hired than those with only a bachelor’s degree.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Quality engineers may work for manufacturers or distributors of consumer goods or industrial supplies. Government agencies also employ these quality specialists to regulate public health and ensure safety or environmental protection.
What’s the best way to get this job?
After graduating with a relevant degree, you can get your foot in an employer’s door by applying to job alerts that match your skills. You can do this by submitting your resume directly through their recruitment portal.
What’s it like to be a quality engineer?
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#6. Engineering Technician
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $36,000 per year
- High Range: $137,000 per year
- Median Pay: $70,064 per year
What do they do?
Engineering technicians are the people who make sure that engineers get the suitable materials, tools, and equipment to do their work. They also make sure that there is enough of everything needed for a project to go smoothly.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Degrees required include an associate’s degree in engineering technology or a degree in mechanical engineering technology. In addition, some states require licensure for this career path.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Engineering technicians work in:
- Manufacturing companies.
- Research labs.
- Government agencies.
- Consulting firms.
The national average salary for these technicians varies depending on your employer.
What’s the best way to get this job?
With the recommended degree, you may get your foot in this field by gaining experience working with engineers in this field.
The more experience you have doing this type of work, the more employers will see how well suited you might be for this career path.
What’s it like to be an engineering technician?
#5. Manufacturing Engineer
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Payscale
- Low Range: $57,000 per year
- High Range: $95,000 per year
- Median Pay: $72,127 per year
What do they do?
Manufacturing engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and implementing new products or processes. They work to optimize the efficiency and effectiveness of manufacturing systems while minimizing waste, defects, and costs.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
The education required for this position varies depending on what type of work you want to do. Some manufacturing engineers need an undergraduate degree in engineering. Others may only need a high school diploma and some vocational training.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
These engineers work in several industries, including:Â
- Aerospace.
- Automotive.
- Pharmaceuticals.
- Rubber products.
Their national average salary is $72,127 per year. This pay varies depending on your expertise.
What’s the best way to get this job?
The first step to getting into this field involves earning a degree in engineering or a related field. You can then gain some experience in your field of choice before applying for a manufacturing engineer position.
What’s it like to be a manufacturing engineer?
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#4. MetallurgistÂ
How much do they get paid?
- Source: ZipRecruiter
- Low Range: $33,500 per year
- High Range: $105,000 per year
- Median Pay: $76,456 per year
What do they do?
A metallurgist is a scientist who studies the structure and properties of metals. They use their extensive knowledge of chemistry and physics to understand how metals react with other elements.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
A bachelor’s degree is the basic requirement for entry-level positions as a metallurgist. A master’s degree may be required if you want to advance beyond an entry-level role. Some employers require candidates to have completed postgraduate studies before applying for positions as metallurgists.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
These materials scientists can work in automotive, aerospace, power generation, and oil & gas industries. They may also work for universities or research organizations.
What’s the best way to get this job?
One way to get this job title is to go to college and get a degree in metallurgy. Then you can work as an assistant or intern at your local university until you’re ready to take on your project.
What’s it like to be a metallurgist?
#3. Materials Engineers
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Payscale
- Low Range: $60,000 per year
- High Range: $112,000 per year
- Median Pay: $79,252 per year
What do they do?
A materials engineer is responsible for ensuring the materials that go into products are safe and reliable. They:
- Develop new materials and processes.
- Test materials to make sure they have the desired qualities.
- Use them to improve existing products or design new ones.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
These engineers have a bachelor’s degree in materials science, metallurgy, or chemical engineering. Some positions in this field may require a master’s degree instead.
Employers prefer candidates with:
- Problem-solving skills.
- Critical and analytical thinking skills.
- Communication skills.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Materials engineers work in healthcare, aerospace, automotive, and energy industries.
They earn a national average salary of $79,252 per year. This pay may vary depending on several factors, including your experience, employer, and education level.
What’s the best way to get this job?
You can get this job title by enrolling in a materials engineering degree program. You may then apply for entry-level positions and work your way to the top with your degree.
Should you become a materials engineer?
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#2. Materials Scientists
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Payscale
- Low Range: $58,000 per year
- High Range: $123,000 per year
- Median Pay: $89,736 per year
What do they do?
Materials scientists are in charge of understanding how old and new materials behave. They use that information to improve the performance of products. Their responsibilities may include researching the chemical properties of materials and how those properties can make them more useful or more durable.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
Materials scientists have a bachelor’s degree in materials science or engineering. But some positions may require a master’s degree.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
These scientists work in:
- Research labs.
- Product development departments.
- Manufacturing plants.
- Educational institutions.
- Government agencies.
What’s the best way to get this job?
With your materials science degree, you can get this job by applying directly through the company’s website. An advanced degree will increase your chances of bagging a high-paying job.
What’s it like to be a materials scientist?
#1. Technical Sales Engineer
How much do they get paid?
- Source: Glassdoor
- Low Range: $33,000 per year
- High Range: $366,000 per year
- Median Pay: $105,163 per year
What do they do?
Technical sales engineers are people who sell a company’s products and services to other companies. They use their knowledge of the product’s technical details to help their clients decide whether or not to buy it.
What degrees and skills are usually required?
These sales engineers have a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field, such as computer science, sales, or physics. They also need strong communication skills because they spend much of their time talking with colleagues or clients on the phone or in person.
Who’s hiring for these jobs?
Technical sales engineers work in a variety of industries, including:
- Automotive.
- Aerospace.
- Medical devices.
- Telecommunications.
- Computer hardware.
What’s the best way to get this job?
You can increase your chances of getting this job by building up your reputation with people who work at companies where technical sales engineers may be needed. Once you have established yourself as someone who knows what they’re talking about, it shouldn’t be too difficult to land an interview.
How do you become a technical sales engineer?
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Conclusion
You have it – the ten highest paying materials science degree jobs in today’s job market. Hopefully, this article has given you a good idea of what to expect in your field and what you need to do to prepare yourself for it. Remember, think long-term. So if you decide that pay isn’t the most essential thing, consider where your skills and interests will lead you.
