General
Metallurgical Engineering
Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for Metallurgical Engineering.
Entry Level Salary
$46,856
Median Salary
$146,315
Unemployment Rate
2.0%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
15.0%
Working non-college jobs
Earnings Trajectory
Lifetime: $5,852,600
Entry (Early)
$46,856
Median (Prime)
$146,315
High (Prime)
$149,448
ROI Sensitivity AnalysisAssuming 4 Years to Graduation
This analysis tests three "What-If" scenarios. While most students start at the Entry Level, calculating ROI using Median and High salaries helps illustrate the potential long-term payoff for top performers relative to the degree cost.
Lifetime Value Added (NPV)
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
-33k
+776k
+801k
$25k / yr
-123k
+686k
+711k
$50k / yr
-213k
+596k
+621k
Break-even Age
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
Never
24
23
$25k / yr
Never
25
25
$50k / yr
Never
28
27
Return on Investment %
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
0%
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-113%
631%
654%
$50k / yr
-98%
274%
285%
Sensitivity Analysis Methodology: These grids assume you begin your career earning the salary specified in the column header (Entry Level = conservative baseline, Median/High = potential upside).
Important Note: Your ROI with any major will depend on the cost you pay to attend the program, and your starting salary. Both vary significantly across institutions. We encourage you to explore the ROI of a specific program variant by selecting the Program title of the credential level you are interested in. You will then have a more detailed return analysis for programs at specific institutions. We also encourage you to use the ROI calculator, or for more sophisticated analysis, the Guided ROI Interview, with your specific estimates of cost and salary.
Education Impact
Advanced Degree Rate53.9%
Analysis: A large percentage of students in this field pursue Master's or Doctoral degrees to maximize earnings.
Top Professions
Management occupations
8.0% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$118,178
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$170,000|$122,090
openings
1,147,900 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.1%
Materials engineers
8.0% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$77,713
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$117,988|$108,310
openings
1,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.7%
Engineers, All Other
6.9% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$72,931
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$141,586|N/A
openings
N/A /yr
Growth (10yr): N/A
Software developers
4.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$5,065
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$146,306|$133,080
openings
115,200 /yr
Growth (10yr): +15.8%
Computer and information systems managers
4.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$122,708
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$188,782|$171,200
openings
55,600 /yr
Growth (10yr): +15.2%
Architectural and engineering managers
3.8% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$191,731
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$294,971|$167,740
openings
14,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): +3.8%
Top executives
3.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$302,872
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$465,957|$104,990
openings
333,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.4%
Postsecondary teachers
3.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$33,037
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$112,089|$81,600
openings
136,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.9%
Industrial engineers, including health and safety
3.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$75,513
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$106,923|$101,490
openings
26,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +10.6%
Industrial production managers
3.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$87,789
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$135,060|$121,440
openings
17,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +1.9%
About this Data:
- Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 27 and under (PUMS).
- Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
- Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2024–2034).
Program Variants & Earnings Ranges
Summary of specific program titles and credential levels mapped to this major, showing the range of earnings across different colleges.
Completers Only: Federal median earnings data strictly reflects outcomes for students who successfully graduated. Students who do not complete their degree typically earn significantly less and face higher risks of debt default.
| Program Title | Credential Level | # Colleges | Median Earnings Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| metallurgical engineering. | Bachelor's Degree | 9 | $89,131 - $94,902 |
| metallurgical engineering. | Master's Degree | 5 | Data N/A |