Materials Scientist Salary.
Across 83 U.S. cities.
$98,000
national median salary
$76,000 to $128,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$133,000
San Jose, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$103,000
Jackson, MS
Lowest Paying
$78,000
Little Rock, AR
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 Materials Scientist salary in the United States is $98,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $76,000 at the 25th percentile to $128,000 at the 75th. San Jose pays the most at $133,000, while Jackson offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Industry sector and degree level create the widest pay gaps.
Materials Scientist salary by city
Skills that increase Materials Scientist pay
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for Materials Scientists based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $13,720 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$13,720 per year
≈ +$12,740 per year
≈ +$11,760 per year
≈ +$10,780 per year
≈ +$10,780 per year
≈ +$9,800 per year
≈ +$9,800 per year
≈ +$8,820 per year
What you should know
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.
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.