As of October 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Materials Scientist in California is $115,930, equivalent to $56 per hour, $2,229 weekly, or $9,661 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 California vary widely, spanning from $95,419 to $140,193. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($105,194) and 75th percentile ($128,630), while top earners (90th percentile) make $140,193 per year. This $23,436 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, California Materials Scientist often earn 10.3% higher than national averages due to demand from Fortune 75 companies. However, California currently ranks 2 nationwide for Materials Scientist job salary. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like to offset market challenges.
