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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Material Science Engineering in California is $84,520 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $41.
However, a Material Science Engineering's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Material Science Engineering Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $89,422 | $7,452 | $1,720 | $43 |
| Average | $84,520 | $7,043 | $1,625 | $41 |
| 25th Percentile | $74,520 | $6,210 | $1,433 | $36 |
RND4IMPACT INC. - San Jose, CA
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Partner Engineering and Science - Irvine, CA
Partner Engineering and Science - Torrance, CA
A Material Science Engineering'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Material Science Engineering'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Material ... Level Material Science Engineering | $86,603 |
| Materials... Level Material Science Engineering | $102,308 |
| Materials... Level Material Science Engineering | $115,809 |
| Materials... Level Material Science Engineering | $141,406 |
| Materials... Level Material Science Engineering | $172,964 |
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 Engineerings. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Material Science Engineering 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 Engineering positions in Transportation or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Material Science Engineering as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $109,876 | $53.0 | 30% |
| Software & Networking | $109,876 | $53.0 | 30% |
| Internet | $101,424 | $49.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $97,198 | $47.0 | 15% |
| Chemicals | $92,972 | $45.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Material Science Engineering'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $89,422 | $7,452 | $1,720 | $43 |
| Average | $84,520 | $7,043 | $1,625 | $41 |
| 25th Percentile | $74,520 | $6,210 | $1,433 | $36 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Material Science Engineering job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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