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METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Materials Engineers salary in Riverside, California

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Riverside metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated April 30, 2026
Median annual$106,100
Mean annual$106,920
Range (10th to 90th)$77,130 to $142,820
Riverside, California employment80
State vs national-3.5% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Riverside materials engineers fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

10TH$77,13025TH$91,860MEDIAN$106,10075TH$119,28090TH$142,820

The middle 50% of workers earn between $91,860 and $119,280, with a median of $106,100.

Typical entry

  • Education

    Bachelor's degree

  • Experience

    None

  • On-the-job training

    None

Top skills (O*NET)

  • Engineering and Technology

    Knowledge

    4.3 / 5
  • Chemistry

    Knowledge

    4.3 / 5
  • Physics

    Knowledge

    4.2 / 5
  • Production and Processing

    Knowledge

    4.1 / 5
  • Mathematics

    Knowledge

    4.1 / 5
  • Active Listening

    Basic skill

    4.0 / 5
  • Reading Comprehension

    Basic skill

    4.0 / 5
  • Science

    Basic skill

    4.0 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Analyze product failure data and laboratory test results to determine causes of problems and develop solutions.

  2. 02

    Design and direct the testing or control of processing procedures.

  3. 03

    Monitor material performance, and evaluate its deterioration.

  4. 04

    Conduct or supervise tests on raw materials or finished products to ensure their quality.

  5. 05

    Evaluate technical specifications and economic factors relating to process or product design objectives.

  6. 06

    Modify properties of metal alloys, using thermal and mechanical treatments.

  7. 07

    Guide technical staff in developing materials for specific uses in projected products or devices.

  8. 08

    Determine appropriate methods for fabricating and joining materials.

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Other metros in California

How the Riverside metro compares to other major California metro areas for materials engineers.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Materials Engineers in Riverside, California?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Materials Engineers in the Riverside metropolitan area is $106,100.
Does Riverside pay more than the California state average for Materials Engineers?
The Riverside metro median is -16.8% versus the California state median of $127,550.
How does Riverside compare to the national median for Materials Engineers?
The Riverside metro median is -3.5% versus the BLS national figure of $109,979.
What is the salary range for Materials Engineers in Riverside?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $77,130 and the 90th-percentile at $142,820 for the Riverside metro area.
What education is required for Materials Engineers?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Riverside CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.