Materials Scientist Salary in 2026
Study and develop materials with new or improved properties for various applications.
Median Salary
$98,000
$8,167/mo
Entry Level
$68,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$135,000
experienced
Job Growth
+6%
10-yr outlook
Materials Scientist Overview
Study and develop materials with new or improved properties for various applications.
Education
Master's/Doctorate
Experience
3-5 years
Industry
Science
Total Jobs (US)
8K
5-Year Growth
+10%
Category
Science
Hourly Rate
$47.12/hr
Monthly Pay
$8,167
Materials Scientist Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Materials Scientist salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Materials Scientist Salary
$112,000
$9,333/month · $4,308/biweekly · $53.85/hr
Materials Scientist Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Materials Scientist field.
Entry-level Materials Scientists earn around $68,000, while the top 10% earn $150,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Materials Scientists
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $116,000 | +$18,000 |
| Massachusetts | $110,000 | +$12,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $98,000 | $0 |
| Michigan | $93,000 | $-5,000 |
| Ohio | $93,000 | $-5,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Materials Scientists
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose | $125,000 | +$27,000 |
| Boston | $110,000 | +$12,000 |
| Philadelphia | $100,000 | +$2,000 |
| Detroit | $93,000 | $-5,000 |
| Cleveland | $91,000 | $-7,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Materials Scientist Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Materials Scientist from entry level to expert.
$68,000
0-2 years
$102,000
3-7 years
$135,000
8-14 years
$165,000
15+ years
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Materials Scientist Salary FAQ
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