As of April 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Materials Scientist in Ames, IA is $102,059, equivalent to $49 per hour, $1,963 weekly, or $8,505 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for Materials Scientist in cities like Santa Clara, San Jose, and Fremont.
Annually Salaries for Materials Scientist in Ames, IA vary widely, spanning from $83,415 to $123,339. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($92,300) and 75th percentile ($113,198), while top earners (90th percentile) make $123,339 per year. This $20,898 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, Ames Materials Scientist often earn 1.5% lower than national averages. However, Ames currently ranks 464 statewide for Materials Scientist job salary. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like to offset market challenges.
