Materials Scientists
SOC code 19-2032 · O*NET-SOC 19-2032.00 · Considerable preparation needed · Science and engineering
Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation
Materials Scientists pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$117,790
a year
Hourly
$56.63
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$126,180
$60.67 per hour
Middle 50%
$89,990 – $150,550
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$66,820 – $197,290
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
8,470
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $66,820
- $32.13/hr
- 25th percentile
- $89,990
- $43.26/hr
- Median percentile
- $117,790
- $56.63/hr
- 75th percentile
- $150,550
- $72.38/hr
- 90th percentile
- $197,290
- $94.85/hr
What does a materials scientist do?
Research and study the structures and chemical properties of various natural and synthetic or composite materials, including metals, alloys, rubber, ceramics, semiconductors, polymers, and glass. Determine ways to strengthen or combine materials or develop new materials with new or specific properties for use in a variety of products and applications. Includes glass scientists, ceramic scientists, metallurgical scientists, and polymer scientists.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Conduct research on the structures and properties of materials, such as metals, alloys, polymers, and ceramics, to obtain information that could be used to develop new products or enhance existing ones.
- Test metals to determine conformance to specifications of mechanical strength, strength-weight ratio, ductility, magnetic and electrical properties, and resistance to abrasion, corrosion, heat, and cold.
- Test material samples for tolerance under tension, compression, and shear to determine the cause of metal failures.
- Determine ways to strengthen or combine materials or develop new materials with new or specific properties for use in a variety of products and applications.
- Prepare reports, manuscripts, proposals, and technical manuals for use by other scientists and requestors, such as sponsors and customers.
- Plan laboratory experiments to confirm feasibility of processes and techniques used in the production of materials with special characteristics.
- Recommend materials for reliable performance in various environments.
- Supervise and monitor production processes to ensure efficient use of equipment, timely changes to specifications, and project completion within time frame and budget.
How to become a materials scientist
Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 62% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 4 — Considerable preparation needed
- 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.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Bachelor's Degree62%
- Doctoral Degree14%
- Master's Degree10%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree5%
Common questions
How much does a materials scientist earn?
The national median is $117,790 a year. The full range runs from $66,820 at the 10th percentile to $197,290 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a materials scientist without a degree?
Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 4, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Reading Comprehension4.0/5
- Active Listening4.0/5
- Science4.0/5
- Critical Thinking4.0/5
- Writing3.9/5
- Speaking3.8/5
- Active Learning3.8/5
- Mathematics3.5/5
Knowledge areas
- Engineering and Technology4.8/5
- Chemistry4.6/5
- Physics4.4/5
- Mathematics4.3/5
- Computers and Electronics3.8/5
- Production and Processing3.7/5
- Design3.6/5
- Mechanical3.4/5
Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making.