Polymer and Plastics Engineering: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Students in this program gain advanced expertise in the science and engineering of synthetic polymers and plastics, focusing on the creation of high-performance materials with customized characteristics. The curriculum emphasizes the application of core scientific and mathematical principles to solve real-world challenges in material design, manufacturing, and performance optimization across industries such as aerospace, automotive, biomedical, and consumer goods.
- Macromolecular Chemistry: Explores the structure, synthesis, and behavior of large-chain molecules, including how molecular architecture influences material properties.
- Polymer Processing Techniques: Covers methods for shaping and forming polymers into final products, such as extrusion, injection molding, and additive manufacturing.
- Materials Characterization: Teaches advanced analytical methods to assess physical, thermal, and mechanical properties of polymeric materials at micro- and nano-scales.
- Polymerization Reaction Engineering: Focuses on the design, control, and optimization of chemical reactions that form polymers, including kinetics and reactor system design.
- Structural and Functional Material Design: Addresses the development of lightweight, durable, and multifunctional components for engineering applications, with an emphasis on performance under stress and environmental conditions.
- Sustainable Polymer Systems: Examines biodegradable alternatives, recycling technologies, and life-cycle analysis to promote environmentally responsible material innovation.
Polymer and Plastics Engineering Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Polymer and Plastics Engineering Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Polymer and Plastics Engineering degrees, including Architectural and Engineering Managers, Chemical Engineers and Materials Engineers. 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 293,350 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural and Engineering Managers 11-9041 | $167,740 | $111,450 - $239,200 | 210,340 | $80.64 |
| Chemical Engineers 17-2041 | $121,860 | $78,520 - $182,150 | 20,330 | $58.59 |
| Materials Engineers 17-2131 | $108,310 | $68,040 - $172,000 | 22,770 | $52.07 |
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1032 | $106,120 | $59,790 - $200,650 | 39,910 | N/A |
Polymer and Plastics Engineering Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $104,850 in Utah to $155,180 in New Mexico—a 48% difference. The highest-paying states include New Mexico, California, and Hawaii. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 293,350 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 Polymer and Plastics Engineering by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 14 institutions offering Polymer and Plastics Engineering 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 Polymer and Plastics Engineering is found at University of Massachusetts, Lowell (69 graduates), University of Southern Mississippi (USM) (48 graduates), Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Erie-Behrend College (27 graduates), University of Massachusetts, Amherst (22 graduates), and Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) (19 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 264 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Massachusetts |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
69 | Lowell, Massachusetts | Public | uml.edu |
| University of Southern Mississippi (USM) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
48 | Hattiesburg, Mississippi | Public | usm.edu |
| Pennsylvania State University |
Bachelor's
|
27 | Erie, Pennsylvania | Public | behrend.psu.edu |
| University of Massachusetts |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
22 | Amherst, Massachusetts | Public | umass.edu |
| Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
19 | Cleveland, Ohio | Private | case.edu |
| Lehigh University |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
17 | Bethlehem, Pennsylvania | Private | lehigh.edu |
| Western Washington University (WWU) |
Bachelor's
|
17 | Bellingham, Washington | Public | wwu.edu |
| University of Akron |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
13 | Akron, Ohio | Public | uakron.edu |
| Pennsylvania College of Technology |
Bachelor's
|
12 | Williamsport, Pennsylvania | Public | pct.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Stout |
Bachelor's
|
9 | Menomonie, Wisconsin | Public | uwstout.edu |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
6 | Blacksburg, Virginia | Public | vt.edu |
| Auburn University (AU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
2 | Auburn, Alabama | Public | auburn.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | Madison, Wisconsin | Public | wisc.edu |
| Pennsylvania State University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | McKeesport, Pennsylvania | Public | greaterallegheny.psu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Polymer and Plastics Engineering programs
How much can I earn with a Polymer and Plastics Engineering degree?
Salaries for Polymer and Plastics Engineering graduates vary by role and location. Architectural and Engineering Managers earn a median of $167,740 annually, while Chemical Engineers earn around $121,860. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in New Mexico average $155,180 compared to $104,850 in Utah. Approximately 293,350 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 Polymer and Plastics Engineering programs?
Currently 14 accredited institutions offer Polymer and Plastics Engineering degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Massachusetts, Lowell (69 graduates), University of Southern Mississippi (USM) (48 graduates), and Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Erie-Behrend College (27 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 Polymer and Plastics Engineering growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 226 in 2010 to a peak of 330 in 2020, before declining slightly to 264 in 2023-24. This represents a 17% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, 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 Polymer and Plastics Engineering degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Architectural and Engineering Managers, Chemical Engineers, and Materials Engineers. Related occupations employ approximately 293,350 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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