Materials engineer | Average UK Salary & Outlook

Materials engineers research the behaviour of materials used in industry to make them stronger, lighter and more hard-wearing.

  • Review new product plans and make recommendations for material selection, based on design objectives such as strength, weight, heat resistance, electrical conductivity, and cost.  
  • Supervise the work of technologists, technicians, and other engineers and scientists.  
  • Analyze product failure data and laboratory test results to determine causes of
Read more about Materials engineer

Materials engineers typically work around 39 to 41 hours per week.

As a Materials engineer you will typically work evenings.

This occupation tends to be:

  • Investigative — Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
  • Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and
Read more about Materials engineer
* from ONETonline
Average salary
45,523 GBP *
per year
20,000 GBP
45,000 GBP
Starting
5+ Experience
* data taken from the Office of National Statistics (ons.gov.uk)
Average salary for Materials engineer

  • 46,112 GBP
  • 40,667 GBP
Average salary for part-time Materials engineer
Average salary for full-time Materials engineer

Showing:
  • 24,842 GBP
  • 19,347 GBP
  • 45,523 GBP
  • 40,667 GBP
  • 46,112 GBP
Salary over time for Materials engineer

Salary for this role has increased over time
  • 42,396 GBP
  • 42,382 GBP
  • 42,534 GBP
  • 43,712 GBP
  • 45,725 GBP
  • 44,407 GBP
  • 45,523 GBP
  • 44,522 GBP
  • 44,065 GBP
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Future outlook for Materials engineers

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Very good outlook
168 000+ jobs available
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Balanced outlook
0% yearly wage growth (on average)
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Very good outlook
29% chance of automation in the future

Materials engineer - Your future job?


Which qualifications do I need?

Find out what you need to know in order to become a Materials engineer and the highest average level of education for people in this role.

In terms of people already doing this job:

  • 51% of people in this role have a Bachelor's degree
  • 31% of people in this role have a Master's degree
  • 8% of people in this role have a Doctoral degree

You'll need:

  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • maths knowledge
  • knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
  • knowledge of physics
  • analytical thinking skills
  • knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Get the right qualification to begin your journey to becoming a Materials engineer

Engineering

Things to highlight for your Materials engineer interview

Analytical Thinking Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems. Integrity Job requires being honest and ethical. Attention to Detail Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. Initiative Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges. Dependability Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

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