Materials Engineer
Develop and test metals, plastics, ceramics and composites.
- $112,860
- 4-year engineering degree
Science, Engineering & Lab career
Materials Scientist
Also called: Research Materials Scientist · Polymer Chemist · Nanomaterials Scientist · Battery Scientist
What materials scientists do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a materials scientist do?
Materials scientists research and study the structures and chemical properties of various natural and synthetic or composite materials. The median pay is $117,790 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 4+ years of study, and employment is projected to grow +8.3% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$117,790$56.63/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+8.3%2025–35, much faster than average
- Openings per year600Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationBachelor's degreeBLS classification
- Time to train4+ years of studyTypical program length
- U.S. jobs8,600Employment, 2025
What materials scientists do
Materials scientists discover new materials. They synthesize and characterize metals, polymers, ceramics and nanomaterials, study how structure controls properties, and develop materials for batteries, chips, coatings and implants.
A bachelor’s degree is typical for entry, and research roles often need a Ph.D. BLS projects faster than average growth.
Typical duties
- Synthesize materials
- Characterize structure
- Test properties
- Analyze data
- Write papers
- Work with engineers
- Scale up processes
Work environment and schedule
Materials scientists work in labs at companies, national labs and universities.
Schedule: Full-time hours.
A day in the life
- Synthesize a polymer.
- Run XRD.
- Image samples on SEM.
- Group meeting.
See a full day in the life of a materials scientist →
Materials Scientist salary
Half of materials scientists earned more than $117,790 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $66,820 for the lowest 10% to $197,290 for the top 10%.
Full materials scientist pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a materials scientist
- Earn a materials science or chemistry bachelor’s
- Do research
- Earn a graduate degree
- Get hired
- Advance
A bachelor’s degree in materials science or chemistry is typical; research roles often need a Ph.D.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a materials scientist →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Materials chemistry
- Characterization
- Synthesis
- Microscopy
- Data analysis
People skills
- Curiosity
- Persistence
- Collaboration
- Attention to detail
All materials scientist skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Faster-than-average growth
- High pay
- Cutting-edge research
- Many applications
Cons
- Lab-heavy
- Slow progress
- Advanced degree for research
- Funding pressure
Certifications and licenses
- Ph.D.: For research.
- Lab safety training: Required.
- Instrument training: Facilities.
- Six Sigma: Industry roles.
Career path
- Research Associate: Entry.
- Materials Scientist: Research.
- Senior Scientist: Lead.
- Research Director: Lead programs.
Learn the job before day one
Our Materials Scientist training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as characterize a new material and build and test a coin cell battery, safety and how to land your first job.
Related careers
Chemist
Study substances and create new materials, medicines and products.
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Physicist
Study matter, energy and forces to discover how the universe works.
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Chemical Engineer
Design processes that turn raw materials into fuels, medicines, food and chemicals.
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Compare: Materials Scientist vs. Materials Engineer · Materials Scientist vs. Chemist · Materials Scientist vs. Physicist · Materials Scientist vs. Chemical Engineer
Materials Scientist FAQ
How is a materials scientist different from a materials engineer?
Scientists focus more on research; engineers on applications and production.
Is the field growing?
Yes, BLS projects faster than average growth.
Do I need a Ph.D.?
For research leadership, usually.
How much does a materials scientist make?
The median annual wage for materials scientists was $117,790 ($56.63 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $66,820 and the highest 10% earned more than $197,290.
How long does it take to become a materials scientist?
Most people need about 4+ years of study of training. A bachelor’s degree in materials science or chemistry is typical; research roles often need a Ph.D.
Do you need a degree to be a materials scientist?
Usually, yes. BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education, although skills, certifications and experience can sometimes substitute.
More materials scientist questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 19-2032 (Materials scientists).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Materials scientists (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.