Average Materials Engineers Salary in Michigan
Materials Engineers in Michigan earn an average annual salary of $97,930, which is below the national average of $115,480. This differential is often influenced by the specific industry demands and economic landscape within the state, which may not always align with the broader national trends for this specialized field.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $97,930 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $141,260.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,030 professionals, Michigan demonstrates a notable presence of Materials Engineers. The Location Quotient of 1.59 indicates a concentration significantly higher than the national average, suggesting robust demand and a specialized ecosystem for these roles within the state's economy.
Salary Overview
The average Materials Engineers in Michigan earns-15.2%below the national average.
$47.1
$1,883
$8,161
Materials Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries for Materials Engineers have seen consistent growth over the past four years, driven by technological advancements and the increasing importance of material science in various industries. This upward trend is likely reflected in Michigan's market as well, as the demand for skilled engineers continues to rise.
Materials Engineers Salary Distribution in Michigan
The career trajectory for Materials Engineers typically involves significant salary progression. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries well into the higher percentiles, reflecting their value and expertise. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies substantial career growth opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $58,680 | $28.2 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $73,448 | $35.3 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $96,660 | $46.5 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $122,413 | $58.9 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $141,260 | $67.9 |
Detailed Materials Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$97,930
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$108,091
Adjusted for COL (90.6)
The nominal average salary of $97,930 in Michigan presents a favorable financial standing when considered against the local Cost of Living Index of 90.6. This index, being below the national average of 100, suggests that the purchasing power of a Materials Engineer's salary in Michigan is likely higher than the national average, offering a good quality of life.
Job Market Context
1,030
Total Jobs
0.235
Per 1K Jobs
1.59
Location Quotient
Michigan has 1.6x 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.
A Location Quotient of 1.59 signifies that Materials Engineers are more concentrated in Michigan than the national average. This suggests a strong, specialized job market with potentially more opportunities and a higher demand for these professionals relative to other occupations within the state, indicating a competitive yet abundant environment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Materials Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Saginaw, MI Materials Engineers Salary | $78,510↓ 20% | 30 mi |
Comparing salaries near Michigan
Hiring Materials Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Materials Engineers make in Michigan?
The median annual salary for a Materials Engineers in Michigan is $97,930. This typically ranges from $58,680 for entry-level positions to $141,260 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Michigan is 15.2% lower than the national median of $115,480.
Is Michigan a lucrative place for Materials Engineers?
Yes, Michigan offers a strong market for Materials Engineers.Despite a nominal salary slightly below the national average, the lower cost of living and high concentration of professionals (LQ 1.59) indicate a robust and potentially lucrative market for Materials Engineers in the state.
Is Michigan a good place to live for Materials Engineers?
With a Cost of Living Index of 90.6 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Michigan?
Some top paying nearby cities include Saginaw, MI ($78,510) and others.
What is the average salary for a Materials Engineer in Michigan?
The average annual salary for a Materials Engineer in Michigan is $97,930.
How does Michigan's cost of living compare to the national average?
Michigan's cost of living index is 90.6, which is below the national average of 100, making it more affordable than many other states.
Is there high demand for Materials Engineers in Michigan?
Yes, the Location Quotient of 1.59 suggests a higher concentration of Materials Engineers in Michigan compared to the national average, indicating strong demand.
How does experience affect a Materials Engineer's salary in Michigan?
Experience significantly impacts salary, with senior Materials Engineers earning considerably more than entry-level professionals, reflecting a clear path for career advancement and increased earning potential.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,030 employees in the Michigan area with a job density of 0.235 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 Michigan