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Materials Engineer Salary in Modesto, CA

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

Median Salary
$173,904
per year in Modesto
Entry Level
$105,776
Starting salary
Senior Level
$238,446
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
125
25% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$105,776$173,904$238,446
Monthly$8,815$14,492$19,871
Biweekly$4,068$6,689$9,171
Weekly$2,034$3,344$4,586
Hourly$51$84$115

Modesto vs National Average

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

Modesto Salary
$173,904
COL Index: 125
National Average
$108,690
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$65,214
Higher in Modesto

Cost of Living in Modesto

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,800
per month
Median Income
$54,234
per year
Population
229,286
residents
Rent % of Income
39.8%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 125 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Modesto 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
-21%
Los Angeles, CA
$119,580
-31%
Chicago, IL
$97,760
-44%
Houston, TX
$147,080
-15%
Phoenix, AZ
$109,390
-37%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Materials Engineer Salary in Modesto, CA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a materials engineer in Modesto, CA is $173,904 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 125. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Modesto's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level materials engineer professionals in Modesto can expect to earn around $105,776 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level materials engineers earning approximately $238,446 per year. This represents a 125% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Modesto's cost of living index of 125 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Modesto 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 Modesto typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,800 per month, housing represents about 12.4% 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 Modesto, 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.