Average Materials Engineers Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Materials Engineers in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metropolitan area command an impressive average annual salary of $152,420. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $115,480, indicating a strong demand and higher compensation for specialized engineering talent within this dynamic region. The robust aerospace, technology, and manufacturing sectors in the area likely drive this premium.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $152,420 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $218,730.
- Outlook: The Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area hosts a concentrated workforce of approximately 1,100 Materials Engineers. With a Location Quotient of 3.57, this region exhibits a significantly higher concentration of these professionals than the national average, suggesting a robust and active job market with substantial demand for their expertise.
Salary Overview
The average Materials Engineers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA earns+32.0%above the national average.
$73.3
$2,931
$12,702
Materials Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Materials Engineers in a high-demand, high-cost-of-living area like Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends and the region's economic expansion.
Materials Engineers Salary Distribution in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Salary progression for Materials Engineers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior engineers with extensive expertise and project leadership responsibilities can command salaries at the higher percentiles, reflecting a clear career growth trajectory and increased value to employers.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $104,760 | $50.4 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $114,315 | $55 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $140,810 | $67.7 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $190,525 | $91.6 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $218,730 | $105.2 |
Detailed Materials Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$152,420
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$152,420
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $152,420 and a Cost of Living Index at the national average of 100, Materials Engineers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue enjoy substantial purchasing power. The nominal salary effectively translates to a high real income, allowing for a comfortable standard of living within this major metropolitan area.
Job Market Context
1,100
Total Jobs
0.528
Per 1K Jobs
3.57
Location Quotient
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA has 3.6x 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.
The Location Quotient of 3.57 for Materials Engineers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue signifies a highly concentrated market. This indicates that the region is a significant hub for this profession, with a demand that outpaces the national average, making it a competitive yet rewarding environment for skilled professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Hiring Materials Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Materials Engineers make in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The median annual salary for a Materials Engineers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is $152,420. This typically ranges from $104,760 for entry-level positions to $218,730 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 32.0% higher than the national median of $115,480.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a lucrative place for Materials Engineers?
Yes, it is a highly lucrative location for Materials Engineers.Materials Engineers in this region earn approximately $37,000 more than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, offering excellent earning potential.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a good place to live for Materials Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
How does the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue Materials Engineer salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Materials Engineers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue is $152,420, which is substantially higher than the national average of $115,480.
What is the concentration of Materials Engineers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 3.57, meaning there are over three and a half times more Materials Engineers per worker in this region compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the Materials Engineer salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?
The cost of living in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue is exactly at the national average (100). This means the high nominal salary of $152,420 provides strong real purchasing power for Materials Engineers.
What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers indicate for Materials Engineers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?
With 0.528 jobs per 1,000 workers, the data suggests a healthy presence and ongoing demand for Materials Engineers within the local economy.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,100 employees in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area with a job density of 0.528 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 Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA