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.
Materials Scientists
SOC: 19-2032 O*NET: 19-2032.00
Median Salary
$104,160
per year
Job Growth
📈 4.9%
Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
0.6
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Job Zone 4
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.
What does a Materials Scientists do?
How much can you earn?
Salary Distribution by Percentile
Understanding where you might fall in the salary range based on experience and location.
10th
$62,496
25th
$83,328
50th (Median)
$104,160
75th
$124,992
90th
$156,240
Percentile Explained: If you're in the 75th percentile, you earn more than 75% of workers in this occupation. Entry-level positions typically fall in the 10th-25th percentile range, while experienced professionals often reach the 75th-90th percentile.
Typical Benefits Package
Health & Wellness
- ✓Health Insurance
- ✓Dental Insurance
- ✓Vision Insurance
- ✓Mental Health Support
- ✓Wellness Programs
Financial Benefits
- ✓401(k) Retirement Plan
- ✓Employer Match (typically 3-6%)
- ✓Profit Sharing
- ✓Stock Options
- ✓Performance Bonuses
Work-Life Balance
- ✓Paid Time Off (15-25 days)
- ✓Paid Sick Leave
- ✓Flexible Work Arrangements
- ✓Remote Work Options
- ✓Parental Leave
Professional Development
- ✓Tuition Reimbursement
- ✓Professional Certifications
- ✓Conference Attendance
- ✓Training Programs
- ✓Mentorship Opportunities
Note: Benefits vary widely by employer, company size, and location. Large corporations and tech companies often offer more comprehensive packages, while small businesses may offer fewer benefits but more flexibility. Always review the complete compensation package, not just base salary.
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:8,700
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+4.9%
Annual Openings:600
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)8,700
Current
2034 (Projected)9,100
+4.9%
+400
Employment Change
+4.9%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Critical Thinking
100%
#2
Science
94%
#3
Active Listening
86%
#4
Reading Comprehension
80%
#5
Complex Problem Solving
74%
#6
Writing
66%
#7
Speaking
60%
#8
Active Learning
54%
#9
Judgment and Decision Making
46%
#10
Mathematics
40%
Skills Overview
Critical Thinking
advanced5.0
100%
Science
advanced4.7
94%
Active Listening
intermediate4.3
86%
Reading Comprehension
basic4.0
80%
Complex Problem Solving
advanced3.7
74%
Writing
intermediate3.3
66%
Speaking
intermediate3.0
60%
Active Learning
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Critical Thinking
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Science
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance80%
abilities
4.0/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Writing
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance60%
skills
3.0/5.0
Active Learning
basicImportance54%
abilities
2.7/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
basicImportance46%
abilities
2.3/5.0
Mathematics
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Atmospheric and Space Scientists100%
5 shared skills
Statisticians100%
5 shared skills
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers100%
5 shared skills
Hydrologists100%
5 shared skills
Materials Engineers100%
5 shared skills
Mathematicians100%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Active Listening
Learn on the Job:
- →Writing
- →Speaking
- →Active Learning
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Critical Thinking
- ✓Science
- ✓Reading Comprehension
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Science
- ★Reading Comprehension
- ★Complex Problem Solving
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Materials Scientists
Technology Intensity
Very High
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
IBM SPSS Statistics
🔥 Hot TechThe MathWorks MATLAB
🔥 Hot TechPython
🔥 Hot TechR
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechHypertext markup language HTML
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
IBM SPSS Statistics
The MathWorks MATLAB
Python
R
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Excel
Hypertext markup language HTML
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
VERY HIGH
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
OCCASIONAL
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet very high physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What education is required?
Education Required
Bachelor's degree or higher
Experience Required
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
Job Training
Significant preparation with related work experience