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Materials Engineer Salary in Bristol, VA

How much does a materials engineer make in Bristol? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Bristol's cost of living.

Median Salary
$91,560
per year in Bristol
Entry Level
$55,691
Starting salary
Senior Level
$125,542
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
78
22% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how materials engineer salaries break down across different pay periods in Bristol.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$55,691$91,560$125,542
Monthly$4,641$7,630$10,462
Biweekly$2,142$3,522$4,829
Weekly$1,071$1,761$2,414
Hourly$27$44$60

Bristol vs National Average

How Bristol's materials engineer salaries compare to national figures.

Bristol Salary
$91,560
COL Index: 78
National Average
$108,690
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$17,130
Lower in Bristol

Cost of Living in Bristol

1-Bedroom Rent
$650
per month
Median Income
$36,234
per year
Population
17,340
residents
Rent % of Income
21.5%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 78 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Bristol have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Materials Engineer

Overview

Develop and test new materials for industrial applications.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science or Engineering

Key Skills

Materials ScienceTesting & AnalysisProcess DevelopmentProblem Solving

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +17% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Materials Engineer Salary

See Materials Engineer salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$137,650
+50%
Los Angeles, CA
$119,580
+31%
Chicago, IL
$97,760
+7%
Houston, TX
$147,080
+61%
Phoenix, AZ
$109,390
+19%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Materials Engineer Salary in Bristol, VA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a materials engineer in Bristol, VA is $91,560 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 78. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Bristol's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level materials engineer professionals in Bristol can expect to earn around $55,691 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level materials engineers earning approximately $125,542 per year. This represents a 125% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Bristol's cost of living index of 78 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Bristol are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $108,690, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a materials engineer's salary in Bristol typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $650 per month, housing represents about 8.5% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Materials Engineers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 17% over the next decade. In Bristol, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.