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Average Materials Engineers Salary in Huntsville, AL

Materials Engineers in Huntsville, AL, command an impressive average annual salary of $123,340, significantly surpassing the national average of $115,480. This elevated compensation is largely driven by the robust aerospace and defense industries concentrated in the region, creating a specialized demand for advanced materials expertise.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $123,340 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $172,180.
  • Outlook: Huntsville presents a compelling landscape for Materials Engineers, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 330 professionals and a Location Quotient of 8.52. This high concentration indicates a strong and persistent demand for these specialized roles, suggesting a robust and stable job market that significantly outpaces national employment levels for this profession.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$123,340

The average Materials Engineers in Huntsville, AL earns+6.8%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$59.3

Weekly

$2,372

Monthly

$10,278

Materials Engineers Salary Distribution in Huntsville, AL

Salary progression for Materials Engineers in Huntsville typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can command salaries well into the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles underscores the substantial career advancement and earning potential available.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$82,730$39.8
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$92,505$44.5
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$118,270$56.9
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$154,175$74.1
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$172,180$82.8

Detailed Materials Engineers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$123,340

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$123,340

Adjusted for COL (100)

With an average annual salary of $123,340 and a Cost of Living Index at the national average of 100, Materials Engineers in Huntsville, AL, enjoy excellent purchasing power. The nominal salary translates directly into real income, meaning that the cost of goods and services locally aligns with the national standard, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle relative to the average American.

Job Market Context

330

Total Jobs

1.258

Per 1K Jobs

8.52

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Huntsville, AL has 8.5x the national concentration of Materials Engineers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

Huntsville's Location Quotient of 8.52 signifies an exceptionally high concentration of Materials Engineers relative to the national average. This indicates a highly specialized and competitive job market where demand significantly outstrips the general national availability, making it a prime location for professionals in this field seeking specialized opportunities and potentially higher compensation.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Materials Engineers

CitySalaryDist.
Decatur, AL Materials Engineers Salary$123,730↑ 0%22 mi

Comparing salaries near Huntsville, AL

Hiring Materials Engineerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Materials Engineers make in Huntsville, AL?

The median annual salary for a Materials Engineers in Huntsville, AL is $123,340. This typically ranges from $82,730 for entry-level positions to $172,180 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Huntsville, AL is 6.8% higher than the national median of $115,480.

Is Huntsville, AL a lucrative place for Materials Engineers?

Yes, Huntsville, AL is a highly lucrative place for Materials Engineers.Materials Engineers in Huntsville earn approximately $7,860 more annually than the national average, supported by a very high concentration of these roles.

Is Huntsville, AL a good place to live for Materials Engineers?

The Cost of Living Index in Huntsville, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Huntsville, AL?

Some top paying nearby cities include Decatur, AL ($123,730) and others.

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

Materials Engineers in Huntsville, AL, earn an average of $123,340 annually, which is $7,860 more than the national average of $115,480.

What is the concentration of Materials Engineers in Huntsville, AL?

Huntsville, AL has a Location Quotient of 8.52 for Materials Engineers, indicating that the concentration of these jobs is over 8.5 times higher than the national average.

How does the cost of living in Huntsville, AL affect the Materials Engineer salary?

The Cost of Living Index in Huntsville, AL is 100, which is the national average. This means the $123,340 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

What is the total number of Materials Engineers in Huntsville, AL?

There are approximately 330 Materials Engineers working in Huntsville, AL.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 330 employees in the Huntsville, AL area with a job density of 1.258 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Materials Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Huntsville, AL