AI Materials Scientist Salary.
Across 83 U.S. cities.
$140,000
national median salary
$105,000 to $180,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$193,000
San Francisco, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$146,000
Arlington, VA
Lowest Paying
$106,000
Charleston, WV
Salary data sourced from SEC filings, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and aggregated job postings across 50+ platforms. Ranges reflect 25th to 75th percentile for full-time positions. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated April 2026.
The average AI Materials Scientist salary in the United States is $140,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $105,000 at the 25th percentile to $180,000 at the 75th. San Francisco pays the most at $193,000, while Arlington offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Compensation reflects the rare combination of materials science domain expertise and ML research capability.
AI Materials Scientist salary by city
Skills that increase AI Materials Scientist pay
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for AI Materials Scientists based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $19,600 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$19,600 per year
≈ +$18,200 per year
≈ +$16,800 per year
≈ +$15,400 per year
≈ +$14,000 per year
≈ +$14,000 per year
≈ +$14,000 per year
≈ +$12,600 per year
What you should know
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.
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.