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Average Materials Engineers Salary in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX

Materials Engineers in the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX area command an impressive average annual salary of $154,940. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $115,480, indicating a strong local demand for specialized engineering talent. The robust energy and manufacturing sectors within the region are key drivers for this elevated compensation, requiring advanced materials expertise.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $154,940 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $232,410.
  • Outlook: The local job market for Materials Engineers in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX, while not exhibiting extreme concentration with a Location Quotient of 0.91, is supported by a solid workforce of 440 professionals. This indicates a stable, albeit not hyper-competitive, demand for these roles, suggesting a healthy environment for both existing professionals and those considering a career move to the area.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$154,940

The average Materials Engineers in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX earns+34.2%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$74.5

Weekly

$2,980

Monthly

$12,912

Materials Engineers Salary Distribution in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX

Salary progression for Materials Engineers is typically tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior engineers with extensive project management experience and deep technical knowledge can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies substantial career growth opportunities and increased earning potential as expertise develops.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$68,480$32.9
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$116,205$55.9
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$147,080$70.7
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$193,675$93.1
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$232,410$111.7

Detailed Materials Engineers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$154,940

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$154,940

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average salary of $154,940 in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX, is particularly attractive given the local Cost of Living Index is exactly at the national average of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Materials Engineer's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle without the premium often associated with high-paying metropolitan areas.

Job Market Context

440

Total Jobs

0.134

Per 1K Jobs

0.91

Location Quotient

Below Average

Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX has 0.91x the national average concentration of Materials Engineers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

With a Location Quotient of 0.91, the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX, metropolitan area has a slightly lower concentration of Materials Engineers compared to the national average. This suggests that while the demand is present and salaries are high, the market is not oversaturated, offering a balanced landscape for job seekers and employers alike. It implies a steady need for skilled professionals without an overwhelming surplus.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Materials Engineerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Materials Engineers make in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX?

The median annual salary for a Materials Engineers in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is $154,940. This typically ranges from $68,480 for entry-level positions to $232,410 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is 34.2% higher than the national median of $115,480.

Is Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX a lucrative place for Materials Engineers?

Yes, Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is a highly lucrative location for Materials Engineers.Materials Engineers earn significantly above the national average salary, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, maximizing purchasing power.

Is Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX a good place to live for Materials Engineers?

The Cost of Living Index in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

How does the Houston Materials Engineer salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Materials Engineers in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is $154,940, which is considerably higher than the national average of $115,480.

What is the cost of living in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX for Materials Engineers?

The Cost of Living Index in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning your salary's purchasing power is standard.

How concentrated is the Materials Engineer job market in Houston?

The job market concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.91, indicating a slightly lower presence of Materials Engineers relative to the national average, suggesting a balanced market.

What is the total number of Materials Engineers in the Houston area?

There are approximately 440 Materials Engineers employed in the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX metropolitan area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 440 employees in the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX area with a job density of 0.134 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Top Jobs in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX

Semantic Salary Analysis for Materials Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX