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Materials Engineers Salary in Durham, NC

In the 2025 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS dataset, Materials Engineers in Durham, NC have a median annual salary of $117,000, with 80 recorded jobs in this area. Recorded earnings range from $81,960 at the 10th percentile to $160,700 at the 90th percentile.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS · Data year: 2025 · Last updated: 2026-09-22

Salary overview

Median annual salary

$117,000

Data year: 2025

Hourly median

$56.25

Employment

80

Source

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS

Salary distribution

$81,960
10th
$102,230
25th
$117,000
Median
$131,120
75th
$160,700
90th

Local compared with national

Durham, NC

$117,000

Median annual · 2025

United States

$112,860

Median annual · 2025

The Durham, NC median is 3.7% above the national median in the available dataset (a difference of $4,140).

Top skills

  1. 1.Reading ComprehensionImportance 4.0
  2. 2.Active ListeningImportance 4.0
  3. 3.WritingImportance 4.0
  4. 4.SpeakingImportance 4.0
  5. 5.MathematicsImportance 4.0
  6. 6.ScienceImportance 4.0
  7. 7.Critical ThinkingImportance 4.0
  8. 8.Complex Problem SolvingImportance 4.0
  9. 9.Active LearningImportance 3.8
  10. 10.Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.6
  11. 11.Quality Control AnalysisImportance 3.4
  12. 12.MonitoringImportance 3.3

Career information

Education and experience

Typical education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
None
Job zone
4

Technology used

  • ANSYS Multiphysics
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • C++
  • Dassault Systemes CATIA
  • Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
  • Digital image correlation DIC software
  • Fault detection isolation and recovery FDIR software
  • Finite element analysis software
  • Formula translation/translator FORTRAN
  • Fused deposition modeling FDM rapid prototyping systems
  • Graphics software
  • IBM Notes
  • Image analysis systems
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Excel

Common tasks

  • Perform managerial functions, such as preparing proposals and budgets, analyzing labor costs, and writing reports.
  • Conduct or supervise tests on raw materials or finished products to ensure their quality.
  • Review new product plans, and make recommendations for material selection, based on design objectives such as strength, weight, heat resistance, electrical conductivity, and cost.
  • Evaluate technical specifications and economic factors relating to process or product design objectives.
  • Solve problems in a number of engineering fields, such as mechanical, chemical, electrical, civil, nuclear, and aerospace.
  • Plan and implement laboratory operations to develop material and fabrication procedures that meet cost, product specification, and performance standards.
  • Analyze product failure data and laboratory test results to determine causes of problems and develop solutions.
  • Determine appropriate methods for fabricating and joining materials.
  • Guide technical staff in developing materials for specific uses in projected products or devices.
  • Design and direct the testing or control of processing procedures.

Related careers

Occupations recorded as related in the dataset. A relationship does not imply a guaranteed transition.

Materials Engineers salary in other locations

Other occupations in Durham, NC