Materials Scientists Salary by State
The national median pay for materials scientists is $117,790 a year. By state, it ranges from $69,010 in Tennessee to $177,030 in California.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
U.S. pay range
- Lowest 10%
- $66,820
- 25th percentile
- $89,990
- Median
- $117,790
- 75th percentile
- $150,550
- Top 10%
- $197,290
Annual pay, all U.S. workers in this job. About 8,470 jobs.
Median pay in 29 states and DC
| # | State | Median | vs. U.S. | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $177,030 | +50% | $96,050 | $300,330 | 1,030 |
| 2 | Oregon | $150,550 | +28% | $105,030 | $199,000 | 100 |
| 3 | Wisconsin | $137,700 | +17% | $73,650 | $160,640 | 70 |
| 4 | District of Columbia | $137,600 | +17% | $132,790 | $161,700 | Not published |
| 5 | Massachusetts | $132,600 | +13% | $96,310 | $168,390 | 890 |
| 6 | Minnesota | $132,160 | +12% | $83,500 | $172,500 | 290 |
| 7 | New York | $131,740 | +12% | $87,880 | $204,830 | 530 |
| 8 | Indiana | $130,540 | +11% | $53,660 | $197,910 | 320 |
| 9 | Connecticut | $130,320 | +11% | $72,440 | $201,790 | 50 |
| 10 | Washington | $127,250 | +8% | $76,390 | $209,800 | 290 |
| 11 | Utah | $126,840 | +8% | $67,360 | $175,440 | 110 |
| 12 | Illinois | $125,850 | +7% | $84,070 | $184,130 | 380 |
| 13 | Virginia | $124,150 | +5% | $63,820 | $184,840 | 100 |
| 14 | New Hampshire | $119,990 | +2% | $65,200 | $173,640 | 80 |
| 15 | Colorado | $117,290 | 0% | $76,820 | $160,770 | 370 |
| 16 | Kansas | $115,490 | −2% | $86,800 | $182,780 | 40 |
| 17 | Maryland | $112,400 | −5% | $69,990 | $165,670 | 270 |
| 18 | Ohio | $108,830 | −8% | $54,620 | $159,130 | 450 |
| 19 | Michigan | $107,410 | −9% | $54,240 | $167,940 | 230 |
| 20 | Pennsylvania | $106,920 | −9% | $68,850 | $159,170 | 100 |
| 21 | North Carolina | $106,470 | −10% | $65,720 | $161,870 | 490 |
| 22 | New Jersey | $103,150 | −12% | $79,450 | $139,550 | 440 |
| 23 | Florida | $102,340 | −13% | $77,270 | $155,070 | 200 |
| 24 | South Carolina | $101,930 | −13% | $70,060 | $137,490 | 80 |
| 25 | Nevada | $97,490 | −17% | $78,350 | $121,610 | 100 |
| 26 | Georgia | $91,970 | −22% | $63,820 | $154,600 | 350 |
| 27 | Iowa | $88,320 | −25% | $52,450 | $149,020 | 180 |
| 28 | Texas | $72,700 | −38% | $50,970 | $151,050 | 300 |
| 29 | Montana | $71,810 | −39% | $55,030 | $129,960 | 50 |
| 30 | Tennessee | $69,010 | −41% | $57,800 | $150,590 | 60 |
BLS OEWS May 2025 state estimates. States without published data are not listed. “Not published”: BLS withheld the value or it is above the highest amount BLS publishes. Pay is not adjusted for living costs.
Materials Scientists salary questions
Which state pays materials scientists the most?
California, with a median of $177,030 a year (+50% vs. the national median of $117,790). BLS May 2025.
Which state pays materials scientists the least?
Tennessee, with a median of $69,010 a year (−41% vs. national).
Where do most materials scientists work?
California has the most jobs, about 1,030, with a median of $177,030.
Does a higher salary mean more money left over?
Not always. These are pay figures only. Living costs, taxes and housing differ a lot between states, and this page does not adjust for them.