As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Material Science Engineer in the United States is $76,601 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $37.
However, a Material Science Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2026 Compensation Trend
AI-Powered Talent
AI-Powered HR
A Material Science Engineer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Material Science Engineer's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Material Science Engineer | 0-2 years | $76,519 |
| Intermediate Materials Engineer | 2-4 years | $90,395 |
| Materials Evaluation and Analysis Engineer III | 4-7 years | $102,324 |
| Materials Evaluation and Analysis Engineer IV | 7+ years | $124,940 |
| Expert Materials Engineer | 7-10 years | $152,824 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Material Science Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 17.48% |
| Material Flow | 2.03% |
| Continuous Improvement | 1.22% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Verbal Communication
|
$85,027 |
11%
|
|
Project Management
|
$85,027 |
11%
|
|
Coordination
|
$84,261 |
10%
|
|
Flexibility
|
$83,495 |
9%
|
|
Process Development
|
$83,495 |
9%
|
|
Materials Engineering
|
$83,495 |
9%
|
Material Science Engineer salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $85,911. While startup companies pay approximate $72,725.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $72,725 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $76,900 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $82,976 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $85,911 |
For Material Science Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Material Science Engineer positions in Transportation or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Material Science Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $99,581 | $48.0 | 30% |
| Software & Networking | $99,581 | $48.0 | 30% |
| Internet | $91,921 | $44.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $88,091 | $42.0 | 15% |
| Chemicals | $84,261 | $41.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Material Science Engineers enter the field with a Associate's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Material Science Engineer with a Associate's Degree is between $75,256 and $79,389).
Material Science Engineer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.4% |
| High School | 1.4% |
| Associates | 0.9% |
| Bachelors | 56.5% |
| Masters | 30.4% |
| Doctorate | 10.7% |
Understanding how a Material Science Engineer's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Material Science Engineer, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Ceramics Manufacturing Engineer | $90,500 | 18% |
| Intermediate Materials Engineer | $90,400 | 18% |
| Alloy and Materials Engineer II | $90,400 | 18% |
Salaries for a Material Science Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $71,234 in 2023 to around $70,507 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Material Science Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $71,234 |
| 2024 | $70,837 |
| 2025 | $70,507 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.
Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Material Science Engineer and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Material Science Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Get a Salary Increase
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search Job Openings
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Adjust Employee Salary
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Price My Industry Jobs
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Material Science Engineer roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
Materials Science is a worthwhile degree for those drawn to the practical applications of science and engineering. Graduates can expect salaries ranging from $73,501 to $88,201, with a median of $80,601. The skills acquired are highly sought after in diverse industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, electronics, healthcare, and energy.
The highest-paid engineers in the USA include those in Computer Engineering, earning an average of USD 140,830, and IT Engineering, with an average of USD 132,930. In contrast, Material Science Engineers have a salary range from USD 73,501 to USD 88,201, with a mid-salary of USD 80,601.
The highest salary for a Material Science Engineer is approximately $88,201. The salary range typically starts at a minimum of $73,501, with a mid-level salary around $80,601. Senior positions may offer higher compensation, reflecting the experience and expertise in the field.
A PhD in Materials Science can be worth it, as it leads to diverse career opportunities and higher earning potential. Material Science Engineers typically earn between $73,501 and $88,201, with a median salary of $80,601. This advanced degree can enhance your prospects in both academia and industry, making it a valuable investment in your future.
When considering a career in material science, top universities like Tsinghua University, Nanyang Technological University, and MIT can provide excellent education and research opportunities. Graduates can expect salaries ranging from $73,501 to $88,201, with a median salary around $80,601, reflecting the strong demand for skilled material science engineers in various industries.
Material Science Engineering offers competitive salaries, with a minimum of $73,501, a mid-range of $80,601, and a maximum of $88,201. While some reports suggest higher earnings in specific regions, these figures indicate a solid income potential in the field, making it a lucrative career choice.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:
