Materials Scientists
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.
Also called: Analytical Scientist, Applications Scientist, Material Science Engineer, Materials Research Engineer, Materials Scientist, Metal Alloy Scientist
Median pay
$117,790
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$66,820 – $197,290
People employed
8,470
Holland code
IRC
Investigative · Realistic · Conventional
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
- 2.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
- 3.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 4.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
Materials Scientists pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (29 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What materials scientists do
- 01Conduct 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.
- 02Test 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.
- 03Test material samples for tolerance under tension, compression, and shear to determine the cause of metal failures.
- 04Determine ways to strengthen or combine materials or develop new materials with new or specific properties for use in a variety of products and applications.
- 05Prepare reports, manuscripts, proposals, and technical manuals for use by other scientists and requestors, such as sponsors and customers.
- 06Plan laboratory experiments to confirm feasibility of processes and techniques used in the production of materials with special characteristics.
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Science
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
- Speaking
Knowledge
- Engineering and Technology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Computers and Electronics
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Achievement Orientation
- Innovation
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a bachelor's degree (O*NET Job Zone 4).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from materials scientists
- Materials Engineers96% · −4%
- Chemical Engineers94% · +6%
- Nanosystems Engineers89% · group pay
- Microsystems Engineers87% · group pay
- Electrical Engineers86% · +2%
Change into materials scientists
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Materials Engineers96% · $112,860
- Chemical Engineers94% · $125,040
- Nanosystems Engineers91% · $122,930
- Fuel Cell Engineers86% · $104,110
- Microsystems Engineers86% · $122,930
Majors that lead here
- Textile Science
- Materials Science
- Materials Chemistry
- Materials Sciences, Other
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.