Materials Scientist.
Boston.
$120,000
median salary, 22% above the national average
$93,000 to $156,000. Last updated April 2026.
Get the job.
Data points to own the conversation.
A Materials Scientist in Boston earns a median of $120,000 in 2026. That is 22% above the national average. The range runs from $93,000 to $156,000, and where you land depends on your experience, your skills, and how well you negotiate. Industry sector and degree level create the widest pay gaps.
Salary range
Where do you fall?
Salary by experience
The gap between entry and lead level is typically $108,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$78,000
to $96,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$102,000
to $126,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$132,000
to $156,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$150,000
to $186,000
Salary trend
+7% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $26,000 to the total package.
Base
$120,000
Equity
$14,000
Bonus
$10,000
Signing
$2,000
Estimated total: $146,000
How Boston compares
Boston, MA
$120,000
Cost of living: 22% above average
National Average
$98,000
Boston is $22,000 above
Materials Scientist salary by city
Salary by role in Boston
What you should know
Here is what the Materials Scientist market actually looks like in Boston. Boston's job market is powered by world class universities, a thriving biotech corridor, and established finance and healthcare sectors. The Kendall Square area is one of the most concentrated biotech hubs globally. Tech salaries in Boston are competitive with West Coast markets, particularly for roles that intersect with life sciences, AI, and robotics. Industry sector and degree level create the widest pay gaps. PhD holders in semiconductor, battery, or advanced composites research earn 25 to 40% more than those with bachelor's degrees. National lab and defense roles add clearance premiums. Expertise in characterization techniques like electron microscopy and spectroscopy boosts marketability.
Entry-level materials scientists start at $76,000 to $88,000 with a master's degree. Senior scientists earn $98,000 to $128,000 after five to eight years. Research directors and principal scientists reach $135,000 to $180,000, with fellows at top labs exceeding $200,000. In Boston, those numbers run higher. The cost of living here is 22% above average, and employers adjust to compete.
Base salary is not the full picture. Corporate R&D labs offer bonuses of 8 to 15% and patent bonuses of $2,000 to $5,000 per filing. National labs provide federal benefits, pension contributions, and relocation packages. Semiconductor firms add equity grants worth $10,000 to $35,000 annually. And on the tax side: massachusetts has a flat 5% income tax on most earnings, plus a 4% surtax on income above $1 million. There is no city income tax in Boston, keeping the total burden moderate. When someone quotes you $120,000, ask what the total package looks like. The gap between base and total comp is where real money hides.
On negotiation: Emphasize specialized credentials or advanced degrees. Boston employers, especially in biotech and finance, place a premium on educational pedigree and certifications. The range for Materials Scientists in Boston runs from $93,000 to $156,000. 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 Customer Success Manager in Boston earns $119,000 (1% less)
- The highest-paying role in Boston is Chief AI Officer at $390,000
Common questions.
Materials Scientist salary in other cities
Other salaries in Boston
Related
Cite this data
Journalists, researchers, and AI systems are welcome to reference this data with attribution.
Want this data on your site? Embed the salary widget — one script tag, free forever.