AI Materials Scientist.
San Antonio.
$130,000
median salary, 7% below the national average
$97,000 to $167,000. Last updated April 2026.
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Data points to own the conversation.
Here is what AI Materials Scientists actually make in San Antonio: $97,000 at the 25th percentile, $130,000 at the median, and $167,000 at the 75th. That is 7% below the national average. San Antonio has a major military presence with Joint Base San Antonio and a growing cybersecurity hub. The number on your offer letter will depend on what you bring and how you ask.
Salary range
Where do you fall?
Salary by experience
The gap between entry and lead level is typically $117,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$85,000
to $104,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$111,000
to $137,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$143,000
to $169,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$163,000
to $202,000
Salary trend
+7% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $60,000 to the total package.
Base
$130,000
Equity
$36,000
Bonus
$16,000
Signing
$8,000
Estimated total: $190,000
How San Antonio compares
San Antonio, TX
$130,000
Cost of living: 9% below average
National Average
$140,000
San Antonio is $10,000 below
AI Materials Scientist salary by city
Salary by role in San Antonio
What you should know
If you are interviewing for AI Materials Scientist roles in San Antonio, here is what you are walking into. San Antonio has a major military presence with Joint Base San Antonio and a growing cybersecurity hub. The city is home to USAA headquarters and a cluster of healthcare systems. The extremely affordable cost of living and no state income tax make it attractive for professionals seeking purchasing power. Compensation reflects the rare combination of materials science domain expertise and ML research capability. Scientists who can apply graph neural networks and generative models to accelerate materials discovery for batteries, semiconductors, or catalysts earn premiums. Publication record in both materials science and ML venues adds value.
Postdoc AI materials researchers start at $95,000 to $115,000. Mid-level scientists with deployed materials discovery systems reach $132,000 to $160,000. Senior scientists leading AI materials programs earn $168,000 to $205,000. Directors of computational materials at tech or energy companies can reach $225,000 to $280,000. In San Antonio, cost of living sits near the national average, so the numbers you see are roughly what you keep.
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity at materials AI companies adds $15,000 to $60,000 annually. Government lab positions offer strong benefits and stability. Bonuses of 10% to 15% are standard. Research budgets including compute and lab access are significant non-monetary benefits. And on the tax side: texas has no state income tax. San Antonio has no city income tax. The zero tax environment and very affordable housing create exceptional purchasing power relative to most metros. When someone quotes you $130,000, ask what the total package looks like. The gap between base and total comp is where real money hides.
On negotiation: Leverage the cybersecurity corridor. San Antonio's NSA facility and military cyber operations drive demand for cleared security professionals at premium rates. The range for AI Materials Scientists in San Antonio runs from $97,000 to $167,000. That is not a narrow window. Where you land inside it depends almost entirely on whether you negotiate and how well you prepare.
Sources: SEC filings, H-1B LCA (DOL), BLS OES, 50+ job posting platforms. COL: BEA Regional Price Parities (2025). Data verified by Justin Bartak, Founder & Chief AI Officer. Last verified April 8, 2026. Full methodology
Considering a related role?
- A AI UX Designer in San Antonio earns $131,000 (1% more)
- The highest-paying role in San Antonio is Distinguished Engineer at $303,000
Common questions.
AI Materials Scientist salary in other cities
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