Polymer Engineering graduates earn $92,919 four years out. Related careers are growing at up to 8.1%, one of the stronger demand signals across all fields. Engineering Teachers is among the highest-growth roles in the field.
Polymer Engineering is a focused area of study within Engineering. Graduates typically earn around $92,919 four years out, a strong return for a focused credential. The program is available at 19 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 290 students complete this program each year, most earning a bachelor's. Coursework leans technical and quantitative, with lab or project work common.
Median Earnings · 1yr
$70,044
Median Earnings · 4yr
$92,919
Colleges Offering
19
Graduates / Year
290
Avg Net Price / yr
$23,599
How Much Do Polymer Engineering Graduates Earn?
Polymer Engineering graduates earn $92,919 four years out, well above average for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $79,614 and $107,159.
$70,044
1 Year After Graduation
Earnings grow steadily as you advance past entry-level roles. The four-year figure is a better long-term target.
$92,919
4-Year National Median
Well above average for college graduates.
$88,267
4-Year Institutional Median
Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.
Earnings Range
There is a moderate earnings spread across Polymer Engineering graduates. Sector is the biggest factor. Tech companies and finance firms tend to pay significantly more than government, education, or nonprofit employers in this field.
$79,61425th pct.
$92,919Median
$107,15975th pct.
Why This Program Pays Off Fast
Strong ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $92,919 against an estimated $94,396 four-year net cost, most graduates break even against baseline wages in under two years.
Based on outcomes from 10 schools.
Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.
Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown
Of the 290 students who complete Polymer Engineering programs each year, the majority (46%) earn a bachelor's degree.
The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.
46%32%
Bachelor's46%
Master's32%
Doctorate18%
What Can You Do With a Polymer Engineering Degree?
Polymer Engineering connects to 4 occupations in the job market. Architectural & Engineering Manager leads at $171,270/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.
Critical ThinkingScienceComplex Problem SolvingReading ComprehensionJudgment and Decision Making
Day-to-day responsibilities
Design chemical plant equipment and devise processes for manufacturing chemicals and products, such as gasoline, synthetic rubber, plastics, detergents, cement, paper, and pulp, by applying principles and technology of chemistry, physics, and engineering.
Develop safety procedures to be employed by workers operating equipment or working in close proximity to ongoing chemical reactions.
Troubleshoot problems with chemical manufacturing processes.
Monitor and analyze data from processes and experiments.
Complex Problem SolvingReading ComprehensionActive ListeningScienceCritical Thinking
Day-to-day responsibilities
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.
Analyze product failure data and laboratory test results to determine causes of problems and develop solutions.
Design and direct the testing or control of processing procedures.
Monitor material performance, and evaluate its deterioration.
Teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.
Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
Evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory work, assignments, and papers.
Top Colleges for Polymer Engineering
The 12 colleges below are ranked by how many Polymer Engineering students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.
Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page
into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Polymer Engineering program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find
schools that match your profile.
Strong earnings and positive career growth make Polymer Engineering a solid option. The 4 strengths and 2 trade-offs below are data-sourced from College Scorecard, BLS, and IPEDS.
PROS
Strong median salaryGraduates earn $92,919 nationally four years out, placing this field above most degree programs in the country.
Strong salary growthMedian earnings climb from $70,044 at graduation to $92,919 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
Fast-growing fieldRelated careers are projected to grow up to +8.1% over the next decade, with Engineering Teachers among the fastest-growing roles.
Strong hiring volumeRelated occupations generate more than 21,200 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
CONS
Advanced degree often expectedTop roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.
Limited program availabilityOnly 19 colleges offer this program nationally, which may limit geographic flexibility when choosing a school.
Polymer Engineering graduates earn a national median of $92,919 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $79,614 and $107,159. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.
What is the starting salary for a Polymer Engineering degree?
One year after graduation, Polymer Engineering degree holders earn a median of $70,044. That climbs to $92,919 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.
What jobs can you get with a Polymer Engineering degree?
Polymer Engineering degree holders pursue careers including Architectural & Engineering Manager, which pays a median of $171,270/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.
How long does a Polymer Engineering program take?
A Polymer Engineering bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study. Community colleges offer associate programs in two years for students who want a faster path into the workforce.
How many colleges offer Polymer Engineering?
19 colleges and universities in the United States offer Polymer Engineering programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.
Is a Polymer Engineering degree worth it?
With a median 4-year salary of $92,919 and an average net price of roughly $23,599/yr, a Polymer Engineering degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.
What is the difference between Polymer Engineering and Engineering?
Polymer Engineering is a focused concentration within the broader Engineering field. The Engineering major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Polymer Engineering-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.
What skills do employers look for in Polymer Engineering graduates?
Employers hiring Polymer Engineering graduates consistently prioritize analytical thinking, technical proficiency, and data interpretation. Employers typically prioritize candidates who can demonstrate hands-on project or internship experience alongside their coursework.
Is graduate school worth it for Polymer Engineering graduates?
In STEM fields, a master's degree can accelerate advancement into research, leadership, or senior engineering roles and often adds $15,000 to $40,000 in long-term earning potential, depending on specialization. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.
What is the job outlook for Polymer Engineering graduates?
The job outlook for Polymer Engineering graduates is moderate overall. Related occupations project an average of +5.1% job growth over the next 10 years. Engineering Teachers is among the strongest-growth roles at +8.1%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.
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Original data analyses built on the same federal data as this profile. Rankings, outliers, and patterns, no opinions.
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