Average Materials Engineers Salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
Materials Engineers in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA area command an impressive average annual salary of $138,470. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $115,480, reflecting the region's robust demand for specialized engineering talent. The concentration of technology and advanced manufacturing industries in the Bay Area likely drives this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $138,470 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $184,150.
- Outlook: The San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont metropolitan area hosts a dedicated workforce of 420 Materials Engineers. With a Location Quotient of 1.19, this indicates a slightly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average, suggesting a healthy and active job market with consistent demand for their expertise.
Salary Overview
The average Materials Engineers in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA earns+19.9%above the national average.
$66.6
$2,663
$11,539
Materials Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that Materials Engineer salaries in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increasing demand for advanced materials in burgeoning industries, and the competitive Bay Area job market likely contribute to upward salary adjustments.
Materials Engineers Salary Distribution in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
The career trajectory for Materials Engineers in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont typically shows a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior engineers with extensive project experience and specialized knowledge can command salaries well into the higher percentiles, reflecting a clear path for career progression and earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $92,990 | $44.7 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $103,853 | $49.9 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $134,560 | $64.7 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $173,088 | $83.2 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $184,150 | $88.5 |
Detailed Materials Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$138,470
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$138,470
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $138,470 in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont is particularly attractive given the local Cost of Living Index is exactly at the national average of 100. This means that the higher earnings translate directly into purchasing power comparable to the national standard, making the region a financially sound choice for Materials Engineers.
Job Market Context
420
Total Jobs
0.176
Per 1K Jobs
1.19
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.19, San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Materials Engineers roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.19 for Materials Engineers in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont signifies a market where these professionals are slightly more prevalent than the national average. This suggests a competitive yet accessible job market, with ample opportunities for skilled individuals to find employment without facing extreme scarcity or oversaturation.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Materials Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Materials Engineers Salary | $155,490↑ 12% | 42 mi |
Comparing salaries near San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
Hiring Materials Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Materials Engineers make in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA?
The median annual salary for a Materials Engineers in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is $138,470. This typically ranges from $92,990 for entry-level positions to $184,150 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is 19.9% higher than the national median of $115,480.
Is San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA a lucrative place for Materials Engineers?
Yes, it is a highly lucrative location for Materials Engineers.Materials Engineers in this region earn significantly above the national average, and the cost of living aligns with the national average, maximizing real income.
Is San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA a good place to live for Materials Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($155,490) and others.
How does the Materials Engineer salary in San Francisco compare to the national average?
The average salary for Materials Engineers in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont is $138,470, which is notably higher than the national average of $115,480.
What is the Cost of Living in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont for Materials Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning your salary has standard purchasing power.
Is there high demand for Materials Engineers in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont?
With a Location Quotient of 1.19, there is a slightly higher concentration of Materials Engineers than the national average, indicating consistent demand.
How many Materials Engineers work in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont area?
The total local workforce for Materials Engineers in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont metropolitan area is approximately 420 individuals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 420 employees in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA area with a job density of 0.176 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Materials Engineers Salaries by State
Top Jobs in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
- All Occupations Salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
- Management Occupations Salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
- Computer and Mathematical Occupations Salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
- Browse All Jobs in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Materials Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA