Metallurgist

About this occupation

Metallurgists specialise in the extraction and processing of metals such as iron, steel, zinc, copper and aluminium. They work to mold or combine both pure and mixed metals (alloys) into new shapes and properties. Metallurgists handle the extraction of metal ores and develop their use in metal processing techniques. They may work in both manufacturing or do scientific research about the performance of metals.

• Conduct or supervise tests on raw materials or finished products to ensure their quality.
• Review new product plans, and make recommendations for material selection, based on design objectives such as strength, weight, heat resistance, electrical conductivity, and cost.
• Evaluate technical specifications and economic factors relating to process or product design objectives.
• Solve problems in a number of engineering fields, such as mechanical, chemical, electrical, civil, nuclear, and aerospace.
• Plan and implement laboratory operations to develop material and fabrication procedures that meet cost, product specification, and performance standards.
• Analyze product failure data and laboratory test results to determine causes of problems and develop solutions.

Typical education (US)

Bachelor's Degree

Preparation

Job Zone 4 of 5

Interests

Realistic, Investigative, Conventional

Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Writing, Speaking, Mathematics, Science

US median pay: US$112,860 a year (2025), 22,770 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Subjects this work relies on

How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).

• Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (4.3)
• PhysicsO*NET: PhysicsVery important (4.1)
• Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyVery important (4.1)
• English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.9)
• ChemistryO*NET: ChemistryVery important (3.8)
• Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.4)
• Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignImportant (3.4)
• MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalImportant (3.2)

O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.

Preparation needed

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Most common education (US)

Bachelor's Degree

Education

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

Experience

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.

Training

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

O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.