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Materials Engineer Salary in San Jose, CA

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

Median Salary
$151,260
per year in San Jose
Entry Level
$92,003
Starting salary
Senior Level
$207,398
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
182
82% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$92,003$151,260$207,398
Monthly$7,667$12,605$17,283
Biweekly$3,539$5,818$7,977
Weekly$1,769$2,909$3,988
Hourly$44$73$100

San Jose vs National Average

How San Jose's materials engineer salaries compare to national figures.

San Jose Salary
$151,260
COL Index: 182
National Average
$108,690
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$42,570
Higher in San Jose

Cost of Living in San Jose

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,800
per month
Median Income
$95,634
per year
Population
1,021,795
residents
Rent % of Income
35.1%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 182 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in San Jose 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
-9%
Los Angeles, CA
$119,580
-21%
Chicago, IL
$97,760
-35%
Houston, TX
$147,080
-3%
Phoenix, AZ
$109,390
-28%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Materials Engineer Salary in San Jose, CA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a materials engineer in San Jose, CA is $151,260 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 182. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering San Jose's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level materials engineer professionals in San Jose can expect to earn around $92,003 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level materials engineers earning approximately $207,398 per year. This represents a 125% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

San Jose's cost of living index of 182 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in San Jose 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 San Jose typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,800 per month, housing represents about 22.2% 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 San Jose, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. 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.