Materials Engineers
SOC Code: 17-2131
Explore H1B visa sponsorship data for Materials Engineers positions. View salary ranges, top employers, and geographic distribution from 1,584 H1B filings (FY2022-2025).
Occupation Statistics
Top States for Materials Engineers
All Materials Engineers H1B Sponsors
Related Occupations in Architecture & Engineering
About Materials Engineers H1B Sponsorship
For professionals looking to build a career in the United States, H1B sponsorship for Materials Engineers remains a viable, albeit shifting, pathway. With a total of 9,198 H1B filings and a diverse base of 2,243 employers sponsoring these roles, the demand for expertise in material properties and processing is evident across several high-tech sectors. This occupation, categorized under SOC Code 17-2131, is a cornerstone of American innovation, particularly in the semiconductor and electronics industries. While the market is substantial, job seekers should note that the year-over-year trend showed a significant decline of 66.7% from FY2021 to FY2022. Despite this contraction, the volume of sponsorship from over two thousand distinct companies indicates that specialized talent is still highly sought after. Understanding the landscape of Materials Engineers H1B filings is the first step toward securing a role in this competitive field.
Salary Insights
Understanding the H1B salary for Materials Engineers is crucial for negotiating competitive offers and ensuring your petition meets prevailing wage requirements. The median salary for sponsored professionals in this field stands at $89,911, reflecting the specialized nature of the work. However, the pay scale is broad, with the salary range (P10-P90) spanning from $60,000 to $123,745. Several factors influence where a candidate falls within this range. Advanced degrees, such as a PhD in Materials Science, and niche expertise in areas like nanotechnology or semiconductor fabrication can push earnings toward the higher end of the spectrum. Additionally, geographic location plays a major role; top states like California and New York often offer higher compensation to account for both the cost of living and the high concentration of specialized tech firms.
Top Employers Sponsoring This Role
When searching for H1B visa opportunities, targeting the right companies is half the battle. The data reveals that the semiconductor and hardware manufacturing industries are the primary drivers of H1B sponsorship for Materials Engineers. Leading the pack are industry giants such as GlobalFoundries U.S., Lam Research, and Intel, all of which have established programs for hiring and sponsoring international talent. Other major players frequently filing H1B petitions include Applied Materials and Micron Technology. These organizations are central to the global supply chain and rely heavily on the advanced technical skills that Materials Engineers provide. These top employers are primarily concentrated in tech-heavy states such as California, Texas, and Oregon, providing a clear roadmap for where international job seekers should focus their networking and application efforts.
Skills & Qualifications
To secure H1B sponsorship, Materials Engineers must demonstrate specialized skills that are not easily found in the local labor market. Employers typically look for candidates with a strong foundation in thermodynamics, kinetics, and the structural analysis of materials. Technical proficiency in materials characterization techniques and process engineering is highly valued by top sponsors like Applied Materials and Lam Research. Beyond basic engineering principles, knowledge of semiconductor manufacturing, metallurgy, or polymer science is often required. Because the H1B visa is intended for 'specialty occupations,' having an advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) or specialized experience in research and development can significantly strengthen your case. Employers also prioritize candidates who can bridge the gap between material science theory and practical manufacturing applications to drive innovation.
Tips for Getting H1B Sponsorship
Despite the recent decline in total filings, international candidates can still find success by being strategic. If you are pursuing an H1B visa as a Materials Engineer, we recommend focusing your job search on high-activity states such as California, Texas, Michigan, and New York. Networking within the semiconductor industry is particularly effective, as companies like Intel and Micron Technology have consistent needs for material expertise. When applying, ensure your resume highlights projects that directly align with the technical needs of these top employers. Since the H1B salary for Materials Engineers is a critical component of the visa process, research the prevailing wages in your target city to ensure your expectations are realistic. Position yourself as a specialist in high-growth areas like sustainable materials or microelectronics to make yourself an indispensable candidate for H1B sponsorship.