10 of the Most Popular Types of Materials Jobs in 2026

See what kind of roles similar to Materials jobs are hiring now

Top Types Of Materials Jobs

• Materials Engineer

  Salary range: $80,000 - $116,500

  As a materials engineer, you develop, test, and process new materials. You may create new types of plastic, metal, or ceramic materials for use in various applications. You work with nanomaterials and other unusual substances to create products that meet specific chemical, electrical, or mechanical requirements. Depending on the company's needs and the status of a material's development, you typically work in a laboratory or an office setting. Many potential materials are modeled on computers before attempting manufacture, so familiarity with design software is paramount.

• Materials Science

  Salary range: $93,500 - $167,000

  Materials Science is a popular job search query. Most salaries for Materials Science jobs pay between $93,500 (25th percentile) and $167,000 (75th percentile) annually. There are plenty of open positions nationwide for Materials Science job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.

• Materials Scientist

  Salary range: $93,500 - $167,000

  A materials scientist researches and studies the chemical structures and properties of materials such as metals, rubber, and ceramics. As a materials scientist, your job duties involve determining ways to create, enhance, or combine elements for use in products and applications. Because the field of materials science is broad, scientists tend to specialize in a material type or technique. To pursue a career as a materials scientist, you typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, materials science, engineering, or a related field. Some positions may require a master’s degree or doctorate and extensive experience in a laboratory setting. Many materials scientists also train in specific disciplines, such as organic chemistry or ceramic engineering. Additional qualifications include excellent critical thinking, problem-solving, and computer science skills, as well as an understanding of statistical analysis.

• Material Scientist

  Salary range: $93,500 - $167,000

  Material Scientist is a popular job search query. Most salaries for Material Scientist jobs pay between $93,500 (25th percentile) and $167,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Material Scientist job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• Construction Material Technician

  Salary range: $37,000 - $50,500

  Construction Material Technician is a typical job search query Most salaries for Construction Material Technician jobs pay between $37,000 (25th percentile) and $50,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Construction Material Technician job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• Construction Materials Tester

  Salary range: $34,000 - $52,000

  The responsibilities of a construction materials tester include performing inspections in the field for construction projects. You do soil density testing to ensure all materials conform to construction plans, specifications, and guidelines set by the ASTM standards organization. You also conduct sampling, inspect concrete, asphalt, and other materials as needed, document the results, and then prepare a daily field report summarizing each observation and test calculation. There are also positions where you complete these tests in a laboratory. Your duties may require you to work nights and weekends on occasion.

• Materials Planner

  Salary range: $53,000 - $75,500

  A materials planner oversees inventory acquisition and supply management for manufacturing companies. People in this career control the supply of raw materials so that the company has enough inventory on hand to make products, but does not have to store large amounts of material for a long period. A materials planner usually has a degree in logistics, supply chain management, or a related subject. Many people in this career start as a procurement agent or clerk before promotion to a materials planner position.  

• Material Science

  Salary range: $39,000 - $52,500

  Material Science is a popular job search query. Most salaries for Material Science jobs pay between $39,000 (25th percentile) and $52,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Material Science job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

• Entry Level Materials Engineer

  Salary range: $80,000 - $116,500

  Material engineers can work for companies that manufacture a wide range of products. As an entry-level materials engineer, your duties are similar to a materials engineer with more experience, although you may have limited responsibilities. Depending on the industry in which you work, you come up with solutions for technical problems, improve product design to help optimize the quality and cost of production, and help complete projects and other tasks. As an entry-level materials engineer, you work closely with process development and production teams testing products and streamlining production. You may learn more skills while on-the-job, which can open up more opportunities and responsibilities as a materials engineer.

• Entry Level Material Science

  Salary range: $32,000 - $45,500

  Entry Level Material Science is a typical job search query Most salaries for Entry Level Material Science jobs pay between $32,000 (25th percentile) and $45,500 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Entry Level Material Science job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.