EngineeringUpdated Q1 2025

Materials Engineer Salary
in Pittsburgh, PA

Develop and test materials used in manufacturing — metals, ceramics, plastics, and composites. Median salary in Pittsburgh: $98K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$98K
per year
Take-home: $66K

Salary range in Pittsburgh

Entry level (25th)$72,000
Median (50th)$98,000
Senior (75th)$128,000
Top earner (90th)$162,000

Source: BLS OES 2026, H-1B DOL Disclosures Q1 2026. Figures represent annual base salary in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Key facts for Pittsburgh

Median salary
$98K
annual
Take-home pay
$66K
after fed/state tax
COL index
90
100 = US avg
State income tax
3.07%
annual
Avg 1BR rent
$1,200
per month
YoY growth
+3%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Pittsburgh Materials Engineer to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2025. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $98K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast — Pittsburgh

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Materials Engineer salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED →$82K$89K$97K$104K$111K201920212023202520272029
2026
$100K
projected
2027
$103K
projected
2028
$106K
projected
2029
$108K
projected
2030
$111K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$98,000+$0
2028 projected$98,000+$0
2029 projected$98,000+$0
2030 projected$98,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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Materials Engineer Salary in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Materials Engineer salary in Pittsburgh, PA is $98,000 per year as of Q1 2025. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Pittsburgh–PA metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Materials Engineer in Pittsburgh

Entry-level Materials Engineers in Pittsburgh with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $72,000 and $98,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $98,000 to $128,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $128,000 to $162,000 or more.

Cost of living in Pittsburgh for Materials Engineers

Pittsburgh has a cost of living index of 90 compared to the US national average of 100. This means your salary goes approximately 10% further in Pittsburgh than the national average. Pennsylvania has a 3.07% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Materials Engineer

Bachelor's in Materials Science or Engineering. 22% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.

Materials Engineer salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Pittsburgh (current)$98K90
Philadelphia110
Allentown95
Erie80