What is the median salary for Materials Engineers in San Diego, California?

According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Materials Engineers in the San Diego metropolitan area is $124,130.

Does San Diego pay more than the California state average for Materials Engineers?

The San Diego metro median is -2.7% versus the California state median of $127,550.

How does San Diego compare to the national median for Materials Engineers?

The San Diego metro median is +12.9% versus the BLS national figure of $109,979.

What is the salary range for Materials Engineers in San Diego?

BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $80,990 and the 90th-percentile at $164,410 for the San Diego 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.

Materials Engineers Salary in San Diego, California

Median annual$124,130

Mean annual$120,950

Range (10th to 90th)$80,990 to $164,410

San Diego, California employment230

State vs national+12.9% vs national

Salary distribution

Where San Diego materials engineers fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

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

The middle 50% of workers earn between $98,920 and $141,570, with a median of $124,130.

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)

01
Analyze product failure data and laboratory test results to determine causes of problems and develop solutions.
02
Design and direct the testing or control of processing procedures.
03
Monitor material performance, and evaluate its deterioration.
04
Conduct or supervise tests on raw materials or finished products to ensure their quality.
05
Evaluate technical specifications and economic factors relating to process or product design objectives.
06
Modify properties of metal alloys, using thermal and mechanical treatments.
07
Guide technical staff in developing materials for specific uses in projected products or devices.
08
Determine appropriate methods for fabricating and joining materials.

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Other metros in California

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

San Jose$151,260
San Francisco$134,560
Sacramento$127,140
Los Angeles$119,580
Riverside$106,100

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Materials Engineers in San Diego, California?: According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Materials Engineers in the San Diego metropolitan area is $124,130.
Does San Diego pay more than the California state average for Materials Engineers?: The San Diego metro median is -2.7% versus the California state median of $127,550.
How does San Diego compare to the national median for Materials Engineers?: The San Diego metro median is +12.9% versus the BLS national figure of $109,979.
What is the salary range for Materials Engineers in San Diego?: BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $80,990 and the 90th-percentile at $164,410 for the San Diego 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 San Diego 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.