Metallurgical engineers involved in extractive metallurgy work in laboratories, ore treatment plants, refineries, and steel mills. Though steel, iron and precious metals are common; the metallurgical engineers can also attain specializations in aluminum, copper, metal fabrication, exotic alloys and applications.
Metallurgical engineers are considered a type of materials engineer by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which reports a median annual salary of $98,300 in 2021 for that occupation. The BLS projects that metallurgical engineers with internship experience and computer modeling skills should see highest demand for their skills in coming years.
A degree in metallurgical engineering can also prepare you for a career as a mining engineer, specializing in the extraction and processing of metals. According to the BLS, mining engineers had a median annual salary of $97,090 in 2021.