Materials engineers
SOC Code: 17-2131
Materials engineers carries a 32% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $108,310 and +5.7% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 23,000 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Materials engineers (SOC 17-2131) carries an AI exposure score of 32%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 23,000 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +5.7% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $108,310, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Bachelor's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Materials engineers. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Analyze product failure data and laboratory test results to determine causes of problems and develop solutions.
- 2. Design and direct the testing or control of processing procedures.
- 3. Monitor material performance, and evaluate its deterioration.
- 4. Conduct or supervise tests on raw materials or finished products to ensure their quality.
- 5. Evaluate technical specifications and economic factors relating to process or product design objectives.
- 6. Modify properties of metal alloys, using thermal and mechanical treatments.
- 7. Determine appropriate methods for fabricating and joining materials.
- 8. Guide technical staff in developing materials for specific uses in projected products or devices.
- 9. Review new product plans, and make recommendations for material selection, based on design objectives such as strength, weight, heat resistance, electrical conductivity, and cost.
- 10. Supervise the work of technologists, technicians, and other engineers and scientists.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Science
- Complex Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
- Speaking
- Mathematics
- Active Learning
- Judgment and Decision Making
Knowledge Areas
- Engineering and Technology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Production and Processing
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Design
- Computers and Electronics
- Customer and Personal Service
- Mechanical
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Materials engineers?
Materials engineers has an AI exposure score of 32%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Materials engineers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Materials engineers is projected to grow by 5.7% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 23,000 workers.
What skills are needed for Materials engineers?
Key skills for Materials engineers include Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Science, and others. Typical entry-level education is Bachelor's degree.
How much do Materials engineers earn?
The median annual wage for Materials engineers is $108,310, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Materials engineers?
The typical entry-level education for Materials engineers is Bachelor's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Materials engineers?
Materials engineers roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).