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Materials Engineer Salary in Salem, VA

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

Median Salary
$105,647
per year in Salem
Entry Level
$64,259
Starting salary
Senior Level
$144,856
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
90
10% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$64,259$105,647$144,856
Monthly$5,355$8,804$12,071
Biweekly$2,472$4,063$5,571
Weekly$1,236$2,032$2,786
Hourly$31$51$70

Salem vs National Average

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

Salem Salary
$105,647
COL Index: 90
National Average
$108,690
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$3,043
Lower in Salem

Cost of Living in Salem

1-Bedroom Rent
$880
per month
Median Income
$48,234
per year
Population
25,884
residents
Rent % of Income
21.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 90 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Salem 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
+30%
Los Angeles, CA
$119,580
+13%
Chicago, IL
$97,760
-7%
Houston, TX
$147,080
+39%
Phoenix, AZ
$109,390
+4%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Materials Engineer Salary in Salem, VA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a materials engineer in Salem, VA is $105,647 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 90. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Salem's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level materials engineer professionals in Salem can expect to earn around $64,259 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level materials engineers earning approximately $144,856 per year. This represents a 125% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Salem's cost of living index of 90 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Salem 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 Salem typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $880 per month, housing represents about 10.0% 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 Salem, 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.