Materials Scientists Salary in California
Materials Scientists in California earn a median of $177,030 a year, +50% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $177,030
- vs. U.S. median
- +50% ($117,790)
- Rank among states
- 1 of 30
- Jobs in the state
- 1,030
Pay range in California
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $96,050; the top 10% earn over $300,330. Nationally the range is $66,820 to $197,290.
States ranked near California
Similar jobs in California
- Materials Engineers$128,470 median in California
- Nanosystems Engineers$130,850 median in California (broader BLS group)
- Nuclear Engineers$172,400 median in California
- Microsystems Engineers$130,850 median in California (broader BLS group)
- Aerospace Engineers$157,620 median in California
- Validation Engineers$124,600 median in California (broader BLS group)
Materials Scientists pay in California
How much do materials scientists make in California?
The median is $177,030 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $96,050 and the top 10% earn over $300,330. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is California a good state for materials scientists?
On pay alone it ranks 1 of 30 (+50% vs. the national median of $117,790). Living costs are not included.