Materials Scientist Salary in 2026
Study and develop materials with new or improved properties for various applications.
Median Salary
$117,790
$9,816/mo
Entry Level
$81,700
starting pay
Senior Level
$162,300
experienced
Job Growth
+6%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Materials Scientists (SOC 19-2032) at a national median of $117,790 per year (mean $126,180), or $56.63 per hour, with 8,470 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
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
$56.63/hr
Monthly Pay
$9,816
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
$135,000
$11,250/month · $5,192/biweekly · $64.90/hr
Materials Scientist Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Materials Scientist field.
Entry-level Materials Scientists earn around $81,700, while the top 10% earn $180,300 or more.
Top Paying States for Materials Scientists
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $139,000 | +$21,210 |
| Massachusetts | $132,000 | +$14,210 |
| Pennsylvania | $118,000 | +$210 |
| Michigan | $112,000 | $-5,790 |
| Ohio | $112,000 | $-5,790 |
Top Paying Cities for Materials Scientists
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose | $151,000 | +$33,210 |
| Boston | $132,000 | +$14,210 |
| Philadelphia | $120,000 | +$2,210 |
| Detroit | $112,000 | $-5,790 |
| Cleveland | $110,000 | $-7,790 |
City figures are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier; BLS does not publish a metro-level series for this title.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Materials Scientist Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Materials Scientist from entry level to expert.
$81,700
0-2 years
$122,000
3-7 years
$162,300
8-14 years
$198,300
15+ years
Related Science Jobs
Materials Scientist Salary FAQ
How much does a Materials Scientist make in 2026?
The median salary for a Materials Scientist in the United States is $117,790 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Materials Scientists (SOC 19-2032); the mean is $126,180. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $81,700, senior professionals around $162,300, and top earners at $198,300 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Materials Scientist?
A Materials Scientist typically requires a Master's/Doctorate with 3-5 years of experience. Key skills include Materials Characterization, XRD, SEM. Relevant certifications such as PE License can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Materials Scientists?
The job market for Materials Scientists is projected to grow by 6% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 8K Materials Scientist positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 10%, reflecting steady demand for this role.
Which states pay Materials Scientists the most?
The highest-paying states for Materials Scientists include California, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania. In California, the median salary is approximately $139,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Materials Scientist salary?
To increase your Materials Scientist salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Materials Characterization and XRD. Pursue certifications such as PE License. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like San Jose. With 3-5 years of experience, you can progress from $81,700 to $162,300 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Materials Scientist Salary
How we calculate Materials Scientist salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Materials Scientists (SOC 19-2032), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $117,790, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Materials Scientists; BLS mean $126,180; BLS hourly median $56.63.
- Entry-level ($81,700) and senior-level ($162,300) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +6% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 8,470 Materials Scientists jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 10% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Science sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Master's/Doctorate, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $117,790; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Materials Scientist compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Materials Scientist job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for Science
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Materials Scientist salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Materials Characterization, XRD, SEM), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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