Metallurgical Technology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Metallurgical Technology is a specialized field focused on the practical application of engineering principles and technical expertise to support the development, processing, and quality assurance of industrial metals. This program equips students with the hands-on skills and theoretical knowledge needed to operate effectively within metal production and manufacturing environments, ensuring efficiency, safety, and precision across complex industrial systems.
- Principles of Metallurgy – Core study of metal structures, phase transformations, and the relationship between composition, processing, and material properties.
- Manufacturing Systems Integration – Understanding of how metallurgical processes fit within broader production lines, including casting, rolling, forging, and additive manufacturing.
- Laboratory Techniques – Training in sample preparation, microscopy, spectroscopy, and other analytical methods used to assess metal quality and performance.
- Testing and Inspection Procedures – Mastery of non-destructive testing (NDT), tensile testing, hardness evaluation, and other methods to verify material integrity.
- Instrument Calibration – Skills in maintaining and verifying the accuracy of measurement devices critical to process control and quality assurance.
- Equipment Maintenance and Repair – Practical knowledge of troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and operational repair for industrial metallurgical machinery.
- Process-Specific Applications – Real-world application of theory to key operations such as smelting, refining, heat treatment, and powder metallurgy.
- Technical Report Preparation – Development of clear, accurate documentation for test results, process logs, safety evaluations, and engineering recommendations.
Metallurgical Technology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Metallurgical Technology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Metallurgical Technology degrees, including Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 64,410 professionals.
National Average Salaries
Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
---|---|---|---|---|
Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other 17-3029 | $77,390 | $47,010 - $114,630 | 64,410 | $37.21 |
Metallurgical Technology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $58,350 in Vermont to $109,120 in District of Columbia—a 87% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, New Mexico, and Maryland. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 64,410 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Metallurgical Technology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 5 institutions offering Metallurgical Technology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Metallurgical Technology is found at Kilgore College (15 graduates), Arkansas Northeastern College (ANC) (12 graduates), Seward County Community College (SCCC) (8 graduates), Schoolcraft Community College District (5 graduates), and Lone Star College System (LSC) (1 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 41 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kilgore College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
15 | Kilgore, Texas | Public | kilgore.edu |
Arkansas Northeastern College (ANC) |
Associate's
|
12 | Blytheville, Arkansas | Public | anc.edu |
Seward County Community College (SCCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
8 | Liberal, Kansas | Public | sccc.edu |
Schoolcraft Community College District |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
5 | Livonia, Michigan | Public | schoolcraft.edu |
Lone Star College System (LSC) |
Associate's
|
1 | The Woodlands, Texas | Public | lonestar.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Metallurgical Technology programs
How much can I earn with a Metallurgical Technology degree?
Salaries for Metallurgical Technology graduates vary by role and location. Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other earn a median of $77,390 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $109,120 compared to $58,350 in Vermont. Approximately 64,410 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Metallurgical Technology programs?
Currently 5 accredited institutions offer Metallurgical Technology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Kilgore College (15 graduates), Arkansas Northeastern College (ANC) (12 graduates), and Seward County Community College (SCCC) (8 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Metallurgical Technology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 92 in 2010 to a peak of 74 in 2020, before declining slightly to 41 in 2023-24. This represents a 55% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Metallurgical Technology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other. Related occupations employ approximately 64,410 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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