Materials Scientists
O*NET 19-2032.00 · SOC 19-2032
Materials Scientist is a strong career choice. Median pay is $118k a year with +8.3% projected growth through 2035 (faster than average) and about 600 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Analyze material samples to determine their physical properties
- →Develop new alloys or composites with improved performance characteristics
- →Use electron microscopes to examine material structures at nanoscale
- →Test materials for durability, strength, and resistance to heat
- →Recommend materials for specific engineering or manufacturing applications
Education & How to Get In
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Materials Scientist roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Analytical, research labs, offices, or remote
Independent, focused deep work with periodic team check-ins
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Materials Scientist involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Materials Scientist?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Materials Scientist Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Materials Scientists is projected to grow 8.3% from 2025 to 2035, faster than average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·29% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace
- ·31% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Materials Scientist make?
The median Materials Scientist earns $118k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Materials Scientist jobs?
Our model puts Materials Scientist at 38 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 29% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace; 31% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.
Is Materials Scientist a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 8.3% between 2025 and 2035, which is faster than average. That works out to roughly 600 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Materials Scientist?
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Materials Scientist roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.
How long does it take to become a Materials Scientist?
Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Materials Scientist career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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