Salary: $48,000 – $67,000
Salary range in 10 years: Salaries depend on the education and experience of the metallurgical engineer, the location, and the kind of job
Degree/training/certificate required: B.S. or higher in metallurgical engineering, metallurgy, or materials science
This position requires at least a bachelor’s degree, although many jobs require an advanced degree. Metallurgical engineers develop ways of processing metals and converting them into useful products. Metallurgical engineers, a subspecialty of materials engineers, work primarily in industrial areas like the iron and steel industry.
Since metallurgy is a changing field, engineers have to continue studying and reading professional journals throughout their careers. Metallurgical engineers use complex equipment, including electron microscopes, X-ray machines, and spectrographs. They use the latest scientific and technological findings in their work. Metallurgical engineers are often assisted by metallurgical technicians.
Metallurgical engineers should enjoy the challenge of a demanding profession. They should enjoy solving problems and have aptitude for science and mathematics. Since they often work as part of a team, metallurgical engineers should be able to get along with other people. It is also important for engineers to be able to communicate their ideas to others.