Will AI replace materials engineers?AI replacement risk 69% and how the work is changing
Median annual pay
$112,860
25th–75th pct. $88,080–$142,720
Top pay (est.)
$228,400
Top 10% $175,720
Pay in 5 years
$128,300est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$146,000est.
$125,500–$169,500
Outlook score
57/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
69%
High
Job growth (10 yr)
+7.5%
1,300 openings / yr
Will AI replace Materials Engineers? AI replacement risk
69%
High
Ranked #731 safest from AI among all U.S. occupations
Very lowLowModerateHighVery high
How AI is changing this job
A written analysis for this occupation is being prepared.
AI replacement risk compares the parts of a job that are easy to hand to AI or software (processing information, documentation, repetitive computer work) with the parts that are hard to automate (physical work, working closely with people, judgment in unpredictable settings), using O*NET work activities, work context, skills and knowledge. The result is a relative position among all occupations in the country, scaled to 0–100%. Methodology →
Skills, education and requirements for Materials Engineers
Key skills
O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).
Key knowledge areas
What the work involves
Processing InformationGetting InformationAnalyzing Data or InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking Creatively
Important abilities
Category FlexibilityOral ComprehensionDeductive ReasoningOral ExpressionWritten ExpressionWritten Comprehension
Education of workers
Training before entry
Related work experience
Job Zone 4 — considerable preparation needed (O*NET)
Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)
Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.