As of September 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Materials Scientist in the US is $105,090, equivalent to $51 per hour, $2,021 weekly, or $8,758 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for Materials Scientist in cities like San Jose, Santa Clara, and San Francisco.
Annually Salaries for Materials Scientist in the US vary widely, spanning from $86,333 to $127,082. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($95,272) and 75th percentile ($116,601), while top earners (90th percentile) make $127,082 per year. This $21,329 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Analysis or Analytical Chemistry, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.
Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, District of Columbia Materials Scientist often earn 10.7% above national averages due to demand from Fortune 75 companies and industry startups. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like to offset market challenges.
