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Materials Engineer Salary in Seattle, WA

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

Median Salary
$140,810
per year in Seattle
Entry Level
$85,647
Starting salary
Senior Level
$193,070
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
147
47% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$85,647$140,810$193,070
Monthly$7,137$11,734$16,089
Biweekly$3,294$5,416$7,426
Weekly$1,647$2,708$3,713
Hourly$41$68$93

Seattle vs National Average

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

Seattle Salary
$140,810
COL Index: 147
National Average
$108,690
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$32,120
Higher in Seattle

Cost of Living in Seattle

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,100
per month
Median Income
$78,340
per year
Population
753,675
residents
Rent % of Income
32.2%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 147 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Seattle 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
-2%
Los Angeles, CA
$119,580
-15%
Chicago, IL
$97,760
-31%
Houston, TX
$147,080
+4%
Phoenix, AZ
$109,390
-22%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Materials Engineer Salary in Seattle, WA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a materials engineer in Seattle, WA is $140,810 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 147. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Seattle's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level materials engineer professionals in Seattle can expect to earn around $85,647 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level materials engineers earning approximately $193,070 per year. This represents a 125% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Seattle's cost of living index of 147 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Seattle 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 Seattle typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,100 per month, housing represents about 17.9% 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 Seattle, 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.