Average Materials Engineers Salary in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Materials Engineers in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA metropolitan area command an impressive average annual salary of $125,000. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $115,480, indicating a strong demand for specialized engineering talent within this vibrant economic hub. The elevated compensation reflects the region's robust industrial sector and the critical role materials science plays in its diverse industries.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $125,000 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 9.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $170,360.
- Outlook: The local job market for Materials Engineers in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA, appears robust, supported by a workforce of 1,160 professionals. A Location Quotient of 1.27 suggests that this area has a higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, signaling a healthy and potentially growing demand for their expertise within the region's economy.
Salary Overview
The average Materials Engineers in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA earns+8.2%above the national average.
$60.1
$2,404
$10,417
Materials Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that the salaries for Materials Engineers in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA, have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic expansion, technological advancements, and increasing demand for innovative materials likely contribute to upward pressure on compensation for these skilled professionals.
Materials Engineers Salary Distribution in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Salary progression for Materials Engineers in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA, typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with extensive expertise and a proven track record can command salaries well into the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps clearly signify substantial career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential as one climbs the experience ladder.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $89,430 | $43 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $93,750 | $45.1 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $119,580 | $57.5 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $156,250 | $75.1 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $170,360 | $81.9 |
Detailed Materials Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$125,000
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$125,000
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $125,000 for Materials Engineers in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA, is particularly attractive when considered against the local Cost of Living Index of 100. This index indicates that the cost of living in the area is precisely at the national average, meaning your nominal salary translates directly into purchasing power equivalent to the national standard, offering excellent financial stability.
Job Market Context
1,160
Total Jobs
0.188
Per 1K Jobs
1.27
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.27, Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Materials Engineers roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.27, Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA, demonstrates a notable concentration of Materials Engineers relative to the national landscape. This suggests a competitive yet abundant job market where employers actively seek these specialists, and professionals have a good number of opportunities available, potentially leading to more negotiation power for skilled candidates.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Materials Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA Materials Engineers Salary | $106,920↓ 14% | 49 mi |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA Materials Engineers Salary | $114,370↓ 9% | 55 mi |
Comparing salaries near Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Hiring Materials Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Materials Engineers make in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA?
The median annual salary for a Materials Engineers in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is $125,000. This typically ranges from $89,430 for entry-level positions to $170,360 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is 8.2% higher than the national median of $115,480.
Is Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA a lucrative place for Materials Engineers?
Yes, it is a highly lucrative place for Materials Engineers.Materials Engineers in this region earn an average of $10,520 more annually than the national average, while the cost of living remains at the national average, offering significant financial advantages.
Is Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA a good place to live for Materials Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($106,920) and Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA.
How does the Materials Engineer salary in Los Angeles compare to the national average?
Materials Engineers in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA, earn an average of $125,000 annually, which is $9,520 higher than the national average of $115,480.
What is the concentration of Materials Engineers in Los Angeles?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 1.27, indicating that Materials Engineers are 27% more prevalent in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA, than the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the Materials Engineer salary in Los Angeles?
The cost of living in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA, is exactly at the national average (index of 100), meaning the higher salary of $125,000 offers strong purchasing power equivalent to the national standard.
What is the total number of Materials Engineers in the Los Angeles area?
There are approximately 1,160 Materials Engineers employed within the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA 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 1,160 employees in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area with a job density of 0.188 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Materials Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA