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For Educators: Military Resources

Materials Scientists

Median Salary
106,160
Job Outlook
+8%
In-Demand

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Research and study the structures and chemical properties of various natural and synthetic or composite materials, including metals, alloys, rubber, ceramics, semiconductors, polymers, and glass. Determine ways to strengthen or combine materials or develop new materials with new or specific properties for use in a variety of products and applications. Includes glass scientists, ceramic scientists, metallurgical scientists, and polymer scientists.

What is the job outlook?

Overall employment of chemists and materials scientists is projected to grow 8 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. About 7,800 openings for chemists and materials scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$68,340

10%

$106,160

Median

$132,590

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Bachelor's degree

    61%

  • Doctoral degree

    14%

  • Master's degree

    9%

  • Associate's degree

    4%

  • Post baccalaureate

    4%

  • Post-doctoral training

    4%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Materials Science
  • Materials Chemistry
  • Materials Sciences, Other
  • Textile Science

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Verbal Skills

    High

  • Math and Science Skills

    High

  • Technology Design and Control

    High

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    High

  • Leadership

    Mid

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Engineering and Technology
  • Mathematics
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Computers and Electronics

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Level Of Competition

    High

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Mid

  • Responsibility

    Mid

  • Time Pressure

    Low

  • Repetitiveness

    Low

  • Decision Making

    Low

  • Physical Activity

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.