Science
Materials scientist
Research and study the structures and chemical properties of various natural and synthetic or composite materials, including metals, alloys, rubber, ceramics, semiconductors, polymers, and glass. Determine ways to strengthen or combine materials or develop new materials with new or specific properties for use in a variety of products and applications. Includes glass scientists, ceramic scientists, metallurgical scientists, and polymer scientists.
Median pay
$117,790
Growth to 2035
+8%
faster than average
Openings a year
600
Time to qualify*
Minimal
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Materials scientist
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- Bachelor's degree
- On-the-job training
- None
- Prior experience
- None
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Outdoors in all weather
Hazardous conditions
Materials scientist: 43% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- Conduct research on the structures and properties of materials, such as metals, alloys, polymers, and ceramics, to obtain information that could be used to develop new products or enhance existing ones.
- Test metals to determine conformance to specifications of mechanical strength, strength-weight ratio, ductility, magnetic and electrical properties, and resistance to abrasion, corrosion, heat, and cold.
- Test material samples for tolerance under tension, compression, and shear to determine the cause of metal failures.
- Determine ways to strengthen or combine materials or develop new materials with new or specific properties for use in a variety of products and applications.
- Prepare reports, manuscripts, proposals, and technical manuals for use by other scientists and requestors, such as sponsors and customers.
- Plan laboratory experiments to confirm feasibility of processes and techniques used in the production of materials with special characteristics.
- Recommend materials for reliable performance in various environments.
- Supervise and monitor production processes to ensure efficient use of equipment, timely changes to specifications, and project completion within time frame and budget.
Also called: Applications Scientist · Materials Research Engineer · Materials Scientist · Metallurgical Engineer · Micro Electrical/Mechanical Systems Device Scientist (MEMS Device Scientist) · Polymer Materials Consultant · R and D Scientist (Research and Development Scientist) · Research Scientist
Outlook and AI
Materials scientists held 8,600 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 9,300 by 2035 (+8%, faster than average; all jobs: +3.5%).
Compare with
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