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METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Materials Engineers salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Philadelphia 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$112,290
Mean annual$119,230
Range (10th to 90th)$66,610 to $179,630
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania employment330
State vs national+2.1% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Philadelphia materials engineers fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

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

10TH$66,61025TH$87,920MEDIAN$112,29075TH$149,41090TH$179,630

The middle 50% of workers earn between $87,920 and $149,410, with a median of $112,290.

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 Pennsylvania

How the Philadelphia metro compares to other major Pennsylvania metro areas for materials engineers.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Materials Engineers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Materials Engineers in the Philadelphia metropolitan area is $112,290.
Does Philadelphia pay more than the Pennsylvania state average for Materials Engineers?
The Philadelphia metro median is +25.9% versus the Pennsylvania state median of $89,160.
How does Philadelphia compare to the national median for Materials Engineers?
The Philadelphia metro median is +2.1% versus the BLS national figure of $109,979.
What is the salary range for Materials Engineers in Philadelphia?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $66,610 and the 90th-percentile at $179,630 for the Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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.