Why We Love It
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$94,690Potential Avg. Salary
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1.2%Job Growth Rate
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Growing DemandJob Outlook
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Creativity FocusedCareer Attribute
Ceramic Engineers are specialized engineers that work with ceramic or inorganic materials like glass, brick or cement, that are processed at high temperatures. They develop new ceramic products as well as new methods for processing the materials.
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What is a Ceramic Engineer?
The following responsibilities are common for individuals pursing Ceramic Engineering:
- Conducts research, designs machinery and tools, develops processing techniques and tests the heat resistance of the materials.
- Analyzes test results to determine strength combinations of new products and materials and improve old materials
- Researches different methods of painting, forming and firing the clay and ceramic materials
- Designs equipment for the forming and firing of the ceramic materials
A Day In The Life
Ceramic Engineers specialize in the design and development of ceramic materials in industrial and commercial use.
The term ceramics engineer is a very broad field. Various industries use ceramics, including dentistry, electronics, telecommunications, aeronautics physics and chemistry.
They develop new ceramic materials from materials found in the Earth. Some engineers will enhance upon the technology of existing ceramic materials by improving heat and fire resistance. Many engineers are also involved in production. They direct the process of the organic and inorganic materials used to make the ceramics. They also design and develop the kilns and other tools and equipment used for ceramic manufacturing.
Typical Work Schedule
They work a 40 hour work week mostly in office settings or laboratories.
Projected Job Growth
Ceramic engineers are always needed in electronics and biotechnology. Growth should be especially rapid for engineers in the nano-technology field.
Typical Employers
Most Ceramic Engineers are employed in the stone, glass or clay industries. While others work in industries that use ceramics like aerospace, iron, steel and chemical industries. Some engineers teach and do research for the government or universities.
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How To Become a Ceramic Engineer
A bachelor’s degree is needed to become a ceramic engineer. Classes like, physics, engineering, chemistry, biology and mathematics, will be required to obtain this degree. Work experience is preferred by employers, therefor, many student complete internships while obtaining their education. They also must complete continuing education courses to remain certified throughout their careers as well.
This work requires a deep understanding of the materials of the Earth as well as an understanding of the needs and limitations of the applications applied to those materials.
Ceramic Engineer Salary Data
We’ve provided you the following to learn more about this career. The salary and growth data on this page comes from recently published Bureau of Labor Statistics data while the recommendations and editorial content are based on our research.
National Anual Salary
Low Range
$69,530Average
$94,690High Range
$144,720National Hourly Wage
Low Range
$33/hrAverage
$46/hrHigh Range
$70/hrHow do Ceramic Engineer salaries stack up to other jobs across the country? Based on the latest jobs data nationwide, Ceramic Engineer's can make an average annual salary of $94,690, or $46 per hour. On the lower end, they can make $69,530 or $33 per hour, perhaps when just starting out or based on the state you live in.
Salary Rankings And Facts
#80 Nationally for All Careers
Above Average Salary Nationally
Programs and Degrees
Here are the most common degrees for becoming a Ceramic Engineer. a is usually recommended and specifically a degree or coursework that prepares you for the particular field, see below.
Highest Education Among Ceramic Engineers
- 6.3% Doctorate
- 19.2% Masters
- 48.3% Bachelors
- 10.4% Associates
- 10.6% College
- 5.1% High School
- 0% Less than High School
Job Growth Projections and Forecast
2014 Total Jobs
25,3002024 Est. Jobs
25,600Job Growth Rate
1.2%Est. New Jobs
300How does Ceramic Engineer job growth stack up to other jobs across the country? By 2024, there will be a change of 300 jobs for a total of 25,600 people employed in the career nationwide. This is a 1.2% change in growth over the next ten years, giving the career a growth rate nationwide of Above Average.
Growth Rankings And Facts
#573 Nationally for All Careers
Above Avg. Growth Nationally
What Companies Employ The Most Ceramic Engineers
| Industry | Current Jobs | New Jobs Needed | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace product and parts manufacturing | 3,400 | 200 | 0% |
| Engineering services | 2,700 | 300 | 0% |
| Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences | 2,000 | 300 | 0% |
