Salary distribution
Where Richmond materials engineers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $59,320 and $123,960, with a median of $102,700.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.3 / 5
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge
- 4.3 / 5
Chemistry
Knowledge
- 4.2 / 5
Physics
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Production and Processing
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Mathematics
Knowledge
- 4.0 / 5
Active Listening
Basic skill
- 4.0 / 5
Reading Comprehension
Basic skill
- 4.0 / 5
Science
Basic skill
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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Explore coursesOther metros in Virginia
How the Richmond metro compares to other major Virginia metro areas for materials engineers.
- Virginia Beach$118,830
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Materials Engineers in Richmond, Virginia?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Materials Engineers in the Richmond metropolitan area is $102,700.
- Does Richmond pay more than the Virginia state average for Materials Engineers?
- The Richmond metro median is -3.4% versus the Virginia state median of $106,290.
- How does Richmond compare to the national median for Materials Engineers?
- The Richmond metro median is -6.6% versus the BLS national figure of $109,979.
- What is the salary range for Materials Engineers in Richmond?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $59,260 and the 90th-percentile at $163,840 for the Richmond 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.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Richmond 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.