Materials Engineer Salary
in Riverside, CA
Develop and test materials used in manufacturing — metals, ceramics, plastics, and composites. Median salary in Riverside: $98K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.
Salary range in Riverside
Source: BLS OES 2026, H-1B DOL Disclosures Q1 2026. Figures represent annual base salary in Riverside, California.
Key facts for Riverside
Salary forecast: Riverside 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.
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Materials Engineer Salary in Riverside, California: Complete Guide (2026)
The median Materials Engineer salary in Riverside, CA is $98,000 per year as of Q1 2025. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Riverside–CA 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 Riverside
Entry-level Materials Engineers in Riverside 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 Riverside for Materials Engineers
Riverside has a cost of living index of 118 compared to the US national average of 100. Riverside's cost of living is above the US average, so the salary figures above reflect local market rates. California has a 9.3% state income tax rate.
Education requirements for Materials Engineer
Bachelor's in Materials Science or Engineering. 22% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.