Materials Scientists Salary (2025)
Based on 8,470 employed workers · BLS OEWS May 2025
Salary Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual |
|---|---|
10th Percentile Bottom 10% | $66,820 |
25th Percentile Lower quarter | $89,990 |
50th PercentileMedian Median | $117,790 |
75th Percentile Upper quarter | $150,550 |
90th Percentile Top 10% | $197,290 |
Salary Distribution
Annual Salary Range
10th
$67K
25th
$90K
Median
$118K
75th
$151K
90th
$197K
Highest Paying States for Materials Scientists
States with highest average wages · BLS May 2025
| State | Annual Mean |
|---|---|
| California | $189,460 |
| Oregon | $154,140 |
| District of Columbia | $141,040 |
| Washington | $139,140 |
| New York | $138,200 |
| Massachusetts | $133,360 |
| Illinois | $129,980 |
| Connecticut | $128,460 |
| Wisconsin | $128,070 |
| Indiana | $127,210 |
Geographic Salary Variation
Materials Scientists salaries vary significantly across the United States. The highest paying state is California at an average of $189,460 per year, while Indiana has an average of $127,210 — a difference of $62,250. These geographic differences reflect variations in cost of living, demand, and local labor market conditions.
Highest Paying Metro Areas
Top cities by average annual wage
About Materials Scientists
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 8,470 workers were employed as Materials Scientistss in the United States as of May 2025. This occupation is classified under Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations. The annual mean wage of $126,180 reflects data from employer surveys conducted by BLS.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025 · SOC Code: 19-2032