SOC 19-2032 · May 2025 · United States
Materials Scientists
National figures, with pay broken out by state and metro area
The median wage for Materials Scientists across the United States is $117,790 per year, measured over 8,470 jobs. The highest state median is in California, at $177,030.
National wage distribution · annual
Shaded band holds the middle 50% of earners
Where the pay is highest for Materials Scientists
Pay for this occupation varies by 156.5% between the highest and lowest paying states with published data. California pays $177,030 and Tennessee pays $69,010.
| # | State | Median | Jobs | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $177,030 | 1,030 | |
| 2 | Oregon | $150,550 | 100 | |
| 3 | Wisconsin | $137,700 | 70 | |
| 4 | District of Columbia | $137,600 | — | |
| 5 | Massachusetts | $132,600 | 890 | |
| 6 | Minnesota | $132,160 | 290 | |
| 7 | New York | $131,740 | 530 | |
| 8 | Indiana | $130,540 | 320 | |
| 9 | Connecticut | $130,320 | 50 | |
| 10 | Washington | $127,250 | 290 |
States with the most Materials Scientists jobs
| # | State | Jobs | Median | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 1,030 | $177,030 | |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 890 | $132,600 | |
| 3 | New York | 530 | $131,740 | |
| 4 | North Carolina | 490 | $106,470 | |
| 5 | Ohio | 450 | $108,830 | |
| 6 | New Jersey | 440 | $103,150 | |
| 7 | Illinois | 380 | $125,850 | |
| 8 | Colorado | 370 | $117,290 | |
| 9 | Georgia | 350 | $91,970 | |
| 10 | Indiana | 320 | $130,540 |
Top-paying metro areas
| # | Metro area | Median | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Jose | $231,920 | 180 |
| 2 | San Francisco | $231,710 | 380 |
| 3 | Worcester | $151,070 | 80 |
| 4 | Portland | $150,550 | 90 |
| 5 | Los Angeles | $149,980 | 200 |
| 6 | Seattle | $137,520 | 50 |
| 7 | Chicago | $133,340 | 460 |
| 8 | Albany | $132,650 | 150 |
| 9 | Boston | $132,600 | 700 |
| 10 | Minneapolis | $132,160 | 270 |
Source and methodology
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 Salary Explorer is an independent project. It is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency. Full methodology.