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History Careers and Jobs

Select, Find and Prepare for History Careers and Jobs - all on one page

For people who love research and writing and want flexibility across education, museums, law, or policy. Use the tools below to see which history roles fit your background and goals.

Like other humanities majors, history's value lies in transferable research and analytical-writing skills rather than one dedicated job title. Use the tools below to explore History-related job titles sorted by growth rate, salary, or required education. You can start with entry points like Archive Assistant, or look ahead to advanced roles such as Museum Curator or Historian/Archivist. Along the way, you will see specific certifications, such as Certified Archivist (CA), that can help you move up the career ladder.



4 Steps to Use This Page: 1-Explore Careers of Intrerest 2-See Job Listings Matched to Career 3-Prepare for the Career 4-See External Career Resources

Here is a short Helper Video External Link

This page will take you through 4 steps to (1) Select from History careers/jobs, (2) Find History job listings, (3) Prepare for History careers, and (4) Provide History career-specific resources.

Step 1: Select a Career/Job: This page starts with 4 ways for you to identify and select from listings of History careers/jobs:
A) Fastest Growing History Careers - 2025 to 2035 (est.)
These listings are based on job growth estimates and helps you to identify the fastest growing and evolving History careers. Some careers may not initially seem related to History, so relevant History jobs are listed alongside each listing. This can also help us to identify which careers (bottom of the listing) may have negative growth - perhaps due to automation or planned obsolescence.
B) Median Annual Salary U.S. History Careers
These listings are sorted (descending) by median annual salary in the U.S. This may help us to identify our ideal career. We may not qualify at this time for the desired career, but this listing and the results provided can help us to explore job details, as well as learn how to appropriately prepare for the career.
C) History Career Ladders (Educational Requirements)
These listings will help us to identify History careers sorted by educational requirements (with the most difficult to obtain listed first). This may help us to identify career ladders (as we scroll down the list), and help us to get jobs that we qualify for now.
D) Select From a Listing of 33 History Jobs.
The list may be quite long. There are two ways you might like to use this list:
1) Filter - As you enter a word, you will filter (limit) the list of job titles
2) Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply explore the list of job titles. There may be many that you might never have considered to be of interest.
Once you have identified a job title of interest, simply click on it.

Step 2: Find a Job: After you have selected a career/job title above, you will see a form asking for your location. You will see several radio selection choices to utilize the job search site of your choice.

Step 3: Prepare For a Career: In this section you will gain access to detailed information to help you prepare for the chosen career. Information may include (not every career choice includes all of the elements below - updates occur quarterly):
Core Duties: Lists the primary worker-related tasks performed in this occupation
Supplemental Duties: Lists additional tasks that are performed but are secondary to the core duties
Work Activities: Summarizes the broad types of behaviors and actions related to this career
Specific Work Activities: Provides more granular day-to-day activities tied to the work performed
Essential Skills: Provides foundational skills that are core to performing this specific occupation
Transferable Skills: Provides career-portable skills that can be applied across multiple occupations and industries
Day-in-the-Life Summaries: Provides a snapshot of the key activities performed on a typical workday in this career
Knowledge Required: Provides the requirements regarding the acquisition of facts and principles
Software Skills: Lists software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized by category and priority
Preparation Required: Provides a summary of the required experience and education
Education Required: Detailed breakdown of the education required
Training and Experience Required: Detailed breakdown of the training and Training and Experience Required
Local Salary Information: Provides national and local salary ranges
Certifications: Provides appropriate government and private-sector certifications and/or credentials that may be required
Professional Associations: Provides professional associations that are related to the career selected
Job Listings: Provides links to active current job listings for the selected career, along with multiple similar job titles to explore. All information appears on this page without navigating away.
Related Careers to Consider: Lists up to 20 careers that might be of interest to you (related to your initial choice - what they do, what they know, and what they're called), ranked by best fit.

** If you clicked on a link from section D (as described in Step 1 above), you will see one or more links to an occupation that is usually a bit more general than your initial job selection - the link(s) is directly related to the specific job you identified through your prior selections.
*NOTE: It is possible that there may not be a career path identified for the specific job you selected in Step 1. If this is the case, scroll up the page and click on a different career/job.

Step 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated): Continue to scroll down the page and you will find tabs that provide detailed (updated) links specific to the career you selected. This information includes:
Videos: Provides a listing of video links related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.
Resumes: Sources for resume materials and techniques. This can help to get you started.
Job Description: Sources that provide job descriptions, which are vital to resume and interview preparation.
Interviews: Provides links that can help you to prepare for and successfully complete the job interview. Can also assist with coffee chats.
Step by Step: Provides links to resources that can help to organize the career search process.
LinkedIn: One of the best professional social media sites that provides links, opportunities, and networking specifically for careers and career development.




Step 1 of 4: Select a Career/Job

7 History careers are listed below (sorted by Percentage Change in Total Job Openings - 2025 to 2035 est.). History-related jobs specific to each career are also provided. This shows which careers are emerging and growing the fastest. Please Scroll and Select below:

Occupations U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035 (% change) History-Related Jobs

Historians 3% Architectural Historian; Art Historian; County Historian; Dance Historian; Dramatic Arts Historian; Film Historian; Health Historian; Medical Historian; Medication Historian; Music Historian; Oral Historian; Process Information Historian (PI Historian); Research Historian
Occupation: Historians U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: 3% History-Related Jobs: Architectural Historian; Art Historian; County Historian; Dance Historian; Dramatic Arts Historian; Film Historian; Health Historian; Medical Historian; Medication Historian; Music Historian; Oral Historian; Process Information Historian (PI Historian); Research Historian
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary 2.2% Art History Professor
Occupation: Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: 2.2% History-Related Jobs: Art History Professor
Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary 2% Church History Teacher
Occupation: Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: 2% History-Related Jobs: Church History Teacher
History Teachers, Postsecondary 0% Adjunct Art History Professor; Adjunct History Instructor; African History Professor; American History Professor; Art History Adjunct Professor; Art History Instructor; Economic History Teacher; Jewish History Professor; Online History Instructor; Russian History Professor; South Asian History Professor; World History Teacher
Occupation: History Teachers, Postsecondary U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: 0% History-Related Jobs: Adjunct Art History Professor; Adjunct History Instructor; African History Professor; American History Professor; Art History Adjunct Professor; Art History Instructor; Economic History Teacher; Jewish History Professor; Online History Instructor; Russian History Professor; South Asian History Professor; World History Teacher
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education -0.2% High School History Teacher; Secondary History Teacher; World History Teacher
Occupation: Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: -0.2% History-Related Jobs: High School History Teacher; Secondary History Teacher; World History Teacher
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education -0.4% American History Teacher; Middle School History Teacher; World History Teacher
Occupation: Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: -0.4% History-Related Jobs: American History Teacher; Middle School History Teacher; World History Teacher
Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks -7.4% Credit Historian
Occupation: Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks U.S. Job Openings 2025-2035: -7.4% History-Related Jobs: Credit Historian

7 History careers are listed below (sorted by U.S. National Median Salary). History-related jobs specific to each occupation are also provided. Please Scroll and Select below::

Occupations National Median Salary History-Related Jobs

History Teachers, Postsecondary $ 83,820 Adjunct Art History Professor; Adjunct History Instructor; African History Professor; American History Professor; Art History Adjunct Professor; Art History Instructor; Economic History Teacher; Jewish History Professor; Online History Instructor; Russian History Professor; South Asian History Professor; World History Teacher
Occupation: History Teachers, Postsecondary National Median Salary: $ 83,820 History-Related Jobs: Adjunct Art History Professor; Adjunct History Instructor; African History Professor; American History Professor; Art History Adjunct Professor; Art History Instructor; Economic History Teacher; Jewish History Professor; Online History Instructor; Russian History Professor; South Asian History Professor; World History Teacher
Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary $ 80,260 Church History Teacher
Occupation: Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary National Median Salary: $ 80,260 History-Related Jobs: Church History Teacher
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $ 78,620 Art History Professor
Occupation: Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary National Median Salary: $ 78,620 History-Related Jobs: Art History Professor
Historians $ 76,750 Architectural Historian; Art Historian; County Historian; Dance Historian; Dramatic Arts Historian; Film Historian; Health Historian; Medical Historian; Medication Historian; Music Historian; Oral Historian; Process Information Historian (PI Historian); Research Historian
Occupation: Historians National Median Salary: $ 76,750 History-Related Jobs: Architectural Historian; Art Historian; County Historian; Dance Historian; Dramatic Arts Historian; Film Historian; Health Historian; Medical Historian; Medication Historian; Music Historian; Oral Historian; Process Information Historian (PI Historian); Research Historian
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $ 72,040 High School History Teacher; Secondary History Teacher; World History Teacher
Occupation: Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education National Median Salary: $ 72,040 History-Related Jobs: High School History Teacher; Secondary History Teacher; World History Teacher
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $ 64,370 American History Teacher; Middle School History Teacher; World History Teacher
Occupation: Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education National Median Salary: $ 64,370 History-Related Jobs: American History Teacher; Middle School History Teacher; World History Teacher
Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks $ 50,080 Credit Historian
Occupation: Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks National Median Salary: $ 50,080 History-Related Jobs: Credit Historian

8 History careers are listed (sorted by Education/Preparation Requirements - descending) to provide career ladders. History-related jobs specific to each career are also provided.

Education/Preparation Categories:
5 = Usually requires graduate school (e.g., Master's degree, Ph.D., M.D., or J.D.)
4 = Usually requires a four-year Bachelor's degree
3 = Usually requires vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or Associate's degree
2 = Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, but not always
Please Scroll and Select below:
Occupations Education/Preparation History-Related Jobs

Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary 5 Art History Professor
Occupation: Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary Education/Preparation: 5 History-Related Jobs: Art History Professor
Historians 5 Architectural Historian; Art Historian; County Historian; Dance Historian; Dramatic Arts Historian; Film Historian; Health Historian; Medical Historian; Medication Historian; Music Historian; Oral Historian; Process Information Historian (PI Historian); Research Historian
Occupation: Historians Education/Preparation: 5 History-Related Jobs: Architectural Historian; Art Historian; County Historian; Dance Historian; Dramatic Arts Historian; Film Historian; Health Historian; Medical Historian; Medication Historian; Music Historian; Oral Historian; Process Information Historian (PI Historian); Research Historian
History Teachers, Postsecondary 5 Adjunct Art History Professor; Adjunct History Instructor; African History Professor; American History Professor; Art History Adjunct Professor; Art History Instructor; Economic History Teacher; Jewish History Professor; Online History Instructor; Russian History Professor; South Asian History Professor; World History Teacher
Occupation: History Teachers, Postsecondary Education/Preparation: 5 History-Related Jobs: Adjunct Art History Professor; Adjunct History Instructor; African History Professor; American History Professor; Art History Adjunct Professor; Art History Instructor; Economic History Teacher; Jewish History Professor; Online History Instructor; Russian History Professor; South Asian History Professor; World History Teacher
Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary 5 Church History Teacher
Occupation: Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary Education/Preparation: 5 History-Related Jobs: Church History Teacher
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education 4 American History Teacher; Middle School History Teacher; World History Teacher
Occupation: Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education Education/Preparation: 4 History-Related Jobs: American History Teacher; Middle School History Teacher; World History Teacher
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education 4 High School History Teacher; Secondary History Teacher; World History Teacher
Occupation: Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education Education/Preparation: 4 History-Related Jobs: High School History Teacher; Secondary History Teacher; World History Teacher
Tour Guides and Escorts 3 Haunted History Tour Guide
Occupation: Tour Guides and Escorts Education/Preparation: 3 History-Related Jobs: Haunted History Tour Guide
Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks 2 Credit Historian
Occupation: Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks Education/Preparation: 2 History-Related Jobs: Credit Historian

Scroll through the picklist (below). There are 33 specific History job titles listed. Select those that may be of interest - you will get active job listing links, along with detailed resources to help you prepare for a career related to that job.
You can use this form two ways:

hidden filler

Filter - As you enter a keyword, you will filter (limit) the list of job titles below

Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply explore the list of job titles. There may be many that you might never have considered to be of interest.

Enter a Keyword (filter the list below)
OR - leave blank and scroll through the choices:



Select a Job Title (Scroll and Select) :

Step 2 of 4: Find a Job

Find Job Listings: Materials Engineers.


Search results will open in a new tab.

Note: Job search results work best for U.S.-based locations. For international searches, try searching for "[job title] in [city, country]" directly on the selected job board, or visit their country-specific website.

Step 3 of 4: Prepare For a Career





Materials Engineers

Description: Evaluate materials and develop machinery and processes to manufacture materials for use in products that must meet specialized design and performance specifications. Develop new uses for known materials. Includes those engineers working with composite materials or specializing in one type of material, such as graphite, metal and metal alloys, ceramics and glass, plastics and polymers, and naturally occurring materials. Includes metallurgists and metallurgical engineers, ceramic engineers, and welding engineers.

U.S. Total Employment (2025):
23,800
U.S. Total Employment (2035 est.):
25,600
Employment Change (2025-2035 est.):
1,800 (7.5%)
Average Annual Job Openings (2025-2035 est.):
1,300
Please click on a section below to expand and see detailed occupational information related to "Materials Engineers":

Core Duties

Important Core Job Duties (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Conduct or supervise tests on raw materials or finished products to ensure their quality.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Evaluate technical specifications and economic factors relating to process or product design objectives.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Plan and implement laboratory operations to develop material and fabrication procedures that meet cost, product specification, and performance standards.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Monitor material performance, and evaluate its deterioration.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Guide technical staff in developing materials for specific uses in projected products or devices.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Design and direct the testing or control of processing procedures.
Importance: 100 (%) Description: Supervise the work of technologists, technicians, and other engineers and scientists.
Importance: 96 (%) Description: Conduct training sessions on new material products, applications, or manufacturing methods for customers and their employees.
Importance: 96 (%) Description: Perform managerial functions, such as preparing proposals and budgets, analyzing labor costs, and writing reports.
Importance: 96 (%) Description: Analyze product failure data and laboratory test results to determine causes of problems and develop solutions.
Importance: 96 (%) Description: Review new product plans, and make recommendations for material selection, based on design objectives such as strength, weight, heat resistance, electrical conductivity, and cost.
Importance: 92 (%) Description: Plan and evaluate new projects, consulting with other engineers and corporate executives, as necessary.
Importance: 92 (%) Description: Solve problems in a number of engineering fields, such as mechanical, chemical, electrical, civil, nuclear, and aerospace.
Importance: 88 (%) Description: Replicate the characteristics of materials and their components, using computers.
Importance: 83 (%) Description: Determine appropriate methods for fabricating and joining materials.
Importance: 75 (%) Description: Supervise production and testing processes in industrial settings, such as metal refining facilities, smelting or foundry operations, or nonmetallic materials production operations.
Supplemental Duties
Important Supplemental Job Duties (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 96 (%) Description: Write for technical magazines, journals, and trade association publications.
Importance: 96 (%) Description: Present technical information at conferences.
Importance: 67 (%) Description: Modify properties of metal alloys, using thermal and mechanical treatments.
Importance: 63 (%) Description: Teach in colleges and universities.
Importance: 63 (%) Description: Design processing plants and equipment.
Work Activities

Important General Work Activities (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 90 (%) Description: Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Importance: 90 (%) Description: Working with Computers: Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Importance: 87 (%) Description: Analyzing Data or Information: Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Importance: 87 (%) Description: Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Importance: 86 (%) Description: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Importance: 85 (%) Description: Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Importance: 83 (%) Description: Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards: Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Importance: 83 (%) Description: Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Importance: 82 (%) Description: Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Importance: 81 (%) Description: Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Importance: 80 (%) Description: Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials: Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Importance: 78 (%) Description: Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Importance: 75 (%) Description: Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information: Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Importance: 74 (%) Description: Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Importance: 72 (%) Description: Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others: Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Importance: 69 (%) Description: Providing Consultation and Advice to Others: Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Importance: 69 (%) Description: Communicating with People Outside the Organization: Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Importance: 69 (%) Description: Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Importance: 69 (%) Description: Developing Objectives and Strategies: Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Importance: 68 (%) Description: Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Importance: 65 (%) Description: Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment: Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Importance: 65 (%) Description: Training and Teaching Others: Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Importance: 65 (%) Description: Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People: Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Controlling Machines and Processes: Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Developing and Building Teams: Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Scheduling Work and Activities: Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Specific Work Activities

Important Specific Work Activities
How can you begin to build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. Specific Work Activities appear below:
Conduct quantitative failure analyses of operational data.
Confer with technical personnel to prepare designs or operational plans.
Create models of engineering designs or methods.
Design industrial processing systems.
Determine operational methods.
Direct design or development activities.
Direct industrial production activities.
Direct quality control activities.
Evaluate plans or specifications to determine technological or environmental implications.
Evaluate technical data to determine effect on designs or plans.
Monitor the productivity or efficiency of industrial operations.
Prepare detailed work plans.
Prepare materials for processing.
Prepare operational reports.
Prepare project budgets.
Prepare proposal documents.
Present research results to others.
Recommend technical design or process changes to improve efficiency, quality, or performance.
Resolve operational performance problems.
Supervise engineering or other technical personnel.
Teach classes in area of specialization.
Teach social science courses at the college level.
Test characteristics of materials or structures.
Train personnel on proper operational procedures.
Write articles, books or other original materials in area of expertise.
Knowledge Required

Knowledge Required (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 92 (%) Description: Engineering and Technology: Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Importance: 83 (%) Description: Mathematics: Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Importance: 82 (%) Description: Production and Processing: Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Importance: 81 (%) Description: Physics: Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Importance: 76 (%) Description: English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Importance: 74 (%) Description: Chemistry: Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Importance: 67 (%) Description: Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Importance: 67 (%) Description: Design: Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Importance: 63 (%) Description: Mechanical: Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Essential Skills

Essential Skills (in order of importance)
These are the foundational skills most central to success in this occupation. For the Top 5 most important, how can you begin building experience and confidence using these skills now?
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Transferable Skills

Transferable Skills (in order of importance)
These are skills that can transfer across occupations and industries. For the Top 5 most important, how can you strengthen these skills now so they support both this career and future career flexibility?
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Importance: 60 (%) Description: Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Importance: 56 (%) Description: Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Operations Analysis: Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Systems Analysis: Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Systems Evaluation: Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Operations Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Day-in-the-Life Summaries

Day-in-the-Life Summaries
These summaries show the main types of activities you are likely to perform on a regular basis in this occupation. How can you imagine your typical workday — using these examples to see if this type of work fits you?
Activity: Advise others on business or operational matters.
Activity: Analyze performance of systems or equipment.
Activity: Assess compliance with environmental standards or regulations.
Activity: Communicate with others about specifications or project details.
Activity: Design industrial systems or equipment.
Activity: Determine operational methods or procedures.
Activity: Develop models of systems, processes, or products.
Activity: Direct organizational operations, activities, or procedures.
Activity: Direct scientific or technical activities.
Activity: Evaluate designs, specifications, or other technical data.
Activity: Manage budgets or finances.
Activity: Manage control systems or activities.
Activity: Monitor operations to ensure adequate performance.
Activity: Plan work activities.
Activity: Prepare industrial materials for processing or use.
Activity: Prepare proposals or grant applications.
Activity: Prepare reports of operational or procedural activities.
Activity: Present research or technical information.
Activity: Resolve personnel or operational problems.
Activity: Supervise personnel activities.
Activity: Teach academic or vocational subjects.
Activity: Test characteristics of materials or products.
Activity: Train others on operational or work procedures.
Activity: Write material for artistic or commercial purposes.
Software Skills

Software Skills
These are examples of software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized from most to least important for your career preparation. How can you start learning or practicing the highest-priority tools so that you feel confident using them on the job?
High-Priority Tech Skills
Office suite software:
Microsoft Office software
Presentation software:
Microsoft PowerPoint
Spreadsheet software:
Microsoft Excel
Emerging Tech Skills
Analytical or scientific software:
The MathWorks MATLAB
Computer aided design CAD software:
Autodesk AutoCAD
Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
Data base user interface and query software:
Microsoft Access
Oracle Database
Development environment software:
Microsoft Visual Basic
Document management software:
Microsoft SharePoint
Electronic mail software:
Microsoft Outlook
Enterprise resource planning ERP software:
SAP software
Object or component oriented development software:
C++
Python
Process mapping and design software:
Microsoft Visio
Word processing software:
Microsoft Word
General Software Tools
Analytical or scientific software (scroll table below):
ANSYS Multiphysics
Digital image correlation DIC software
Fault detection isolation and recovery FDIR software
Finite element analysis software
Image analysis systems
Minitab
Computer aided design CAD software:
Dassault Systemes CATIA
PTC Creo Parametric
Computer aided manufacturing CAM software:
Fused deposition modeling FDM rapid prototyping systems
Stereolithography SLA rapid prototyping systems
Data base user interface and query software:
MTS Testworks
QMC CM4D
Development environment software:
Formula translation/translator FORTRAN
National Instruments LabVIEW
Electronic mail software:
IBM Notes
Graphics or photo imaging software:
Graphics software
Internet browser software:
Web browser software
Object or component oriented development software:
Microsoft Visual Basic.NET
Preparation Required
Preparation Required - How much preparation is needed to obtain this type of job?
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, conservation scientists, art directors, and cost estimators.
Education Required

Education Required - by frequency of educational attainment
This shows you details about the level of education most commonly held by workers in this occupation. How can you begin planning the educational pathway that will prepare you best for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%) Level of Education
Frequency of Attainment: 80.0 (%) Level of Education: Bachelor's Degree
Frequency of Attainment: 8.0 (%) Level of Education: Doctoral Degree
Frequency of Attainment: 4.0 (%) Level of Education: Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree
Frequency of Attainment: 4.0 (%) Level of Education: Master's Degree
Frequency of Attainment: 4.0 (%) Level of Education: First Professional Degree - awarded for completion of a program that: requires at least 2 years of college work before entrance into the program, includes a total of at least 6 academic years of work to complete, and provides all remaining academic requirements to begin practice in a profession.
Training and Experience Required

Training and Experience Required - by frequency of training and work experience attainment
This section shows you how often different types of training and work experience are required for this occupation. How can you start gaining the kinds of experience and training that are most common for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%) Level of Training and Work Experience
Frequency of Attainment: 32.0 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: None
Frequency of Attainment: 24.0 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
Frequency of Attainment: 16.0 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
Frequency of Attainment: 8.0 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Frequency of Attainment: 8.0 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years
Frequency of Attainment: 8.0 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 10 years
Frequency of Attainment: 4.0 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
Professional Associations
Professional Associations
These associations connect people who work in this occupation or related fields. How can you start using these associations to learn more, build your network, or find mentoring opportunities?
Association for Healthcare Resource & Materials Management (AHRMM) External Link
NACE web External Link
Polyurethane Manufacturers Association (PMA) External Link
Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE) External Link
Related Careers to Consider


Step 4 of 4: Career-Specific Resources

This section contains detailed external resources appropriate to "Materials Engineers". Explore these resources to start learning more. Links are constantly updated, so bookmark this page.

Videos

Here is a listing of videos related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.


Resumes

Here are resources that allow you to see example resumes for this occupation. It may be helpful to see examples from others who have this type of experience.


Job Description

Here are resources that provide job descriptions, which are vital for resume and interview preparation.


Interviews

There are many great resources that can help guide you through the interview process. These links provide help in preparing and performing an effective interview, specific to this occupation.


Salary Data

Here are links to help you identify salary ranges for this occupation. These data are necessary prior to effective salary negotiations.


Raises

Here are resources that help you to prepare to ask for a raise. These links will help you to prepare for the salary negotiation process.


Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Materials Engineers". Use these links to find a job.


Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Materials Engineers". Use these links to find a job.


Classifieds

There are various sources for job classified ads. These links should help get you started to find a job for this occupation.


Step-by-Step

Here are links to help guide you, step-by-step, to become a(n): Materials Engineers


Career Change

Here are resources to help you prepare for a career change. It is helpful to look carefully at the information provided in Section 3: Career Change (detailed previously on this page) prior to using these links. There is much to learn ...


LinkedIn®

Here are links to various posts and groups from LinkedIn ® that relate to this occupation. Great way to start building professional contacts in the field that might be most appropriate for you.


Career Path

Here are links to various resources to help you explore the career path related to the "Materials Engineers" occupation.






Developed by Dr. Ralph Jagodka, Ed.D., Professor Emeritus of Business Management at Mt. San Antonio College and author of the Harvard Business Impact article "What to Do When Students Ask You for Career Advice." - Full bio. © 2026 About This Page