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What is a materials engineering technician and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
Quoted expert
John Irwin EdD
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a materials engineering technician. For example, did you know that they make an average of $35.25 an hour? That's $73,313 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 3% and produce 2,100 job opportunities across the U.S.

What general advice would you give to a materials engineering technician?

John Irwin EdDJohn Irwin EdD LinkedIn profile

Chair, Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering Technology, Professor, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Michigan Technological University

Engineering technology graduates are masters of technology, gaining a broad and deep understanding of the processes, systems, tools, and techniques necessary to construct, modify, operate, and maintain an engineering design. They act as technological integrators, bridging the gap between the skilled trades and engineering fundamentals. This is a great career path for those who enjoy engineering concepts but would rather spend time working with their hands solving specific technical issues than tackling broader, more complex design challenges.
ScoreMaterials Engineering TechnicianUS Average
Salary
5.7

Avg. Salary $73,313

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
-

Growth rate 3%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
6.2
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.68%

Asian 11.48%

Black or African American 8.98%

Hispanic or Latino 15.77%

Unknown 4.83%

White 58.24%

Gender

female 19.74%

male 80.26%

Age - 46
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 46

Materials engineering technician career paths

Key steps to become a materials engineering technician

  1. Explore materials engineering technician education requirements

    Most common materials engineering technician degrees

    Bachelor's

    50.0 %

    Associate

    36.2 %

    High School Diploma

    5.3 %
  2. Start to develop specific materials engineering technician skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Asphalt16.44%
    ACI9.00%
    Test Results8.27%
    ASTM7.91%
    Construction Materials6.72%
  3. Research materials engineering technician duties and responsibilities

    • Manage and distribute cad standards to contributing design consultants and assist with any design issues as necessary.
    • Perform construction material testing on asphalt, concrete, soil and aggregate specimens both in the field and in the laboratory.
    • Assist in geotechnical field investigations and operate geoprobe rig.
    • Direct inbound and outbound logistics operations, such as transportation and warehouse activities, safety performance, and logistics quality management.
  4. Prepare your materials engineering technician resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your materials engineering technician resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a materials engineering technician resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable materials engineering technician resume templates

    Build a professional materials engineering technician resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your materials engineering technician resume.
    Materials Engineering Technician Resume
    Materials Engineering Technician Resume
    Materials Engineering Technician Resume
    Materials Engineering Technician Resume
    Materials Engineering Technician Resume
    Materials Engineering Technician Resume
    Materials Engineering Technician Resume
    Materials Engineering Technician Resume
    Materials Engineering Technician Resume
  5. Apply for materials engineering technician jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a materials engineering technician job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first materials engineering technician job

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Average materials engineering technician salary

The average materials engineering technician salary in the United States is $73,313 per year or $35 per hour. Materials engineering technician salaries range between $52,000 and $101,000 per year.

Average materials engineering technician salary
$73,313 Yearly
$35.25 hourly

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Materials engineering technician reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2019
Pros

Independence, focus on task, growth, and skill development.

Cons

Lack of clarity sometimes.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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