As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Material Science Engineer in the United States is $76,701. According to Salary.com, salaries can range from a low of $66,194 to a high of $89,692, with most professionals earning between $71,201 and $83,501.
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $83,501 | $6,958 | $1,606 | $40 |
| Average | $76,701 | $6,392 | $1,475 | $37 |
| 25th Percentile | $71,201 | $5,933 | $1,369 | $34 |
An entry-level Material Science Engineer with less than 1 year of experience earns about $76,391. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $77,004. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $78,526. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $78,831, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $79,034.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Material Science Engineer | $76,391 |
| Intermediate Level Material Science Engineer | $77,004 |
| Senior Level Material Science Engineer | $78,526 |
| Specialist Level Material Science Engineer | $78,831 |
| Expert Level Material Science Engineer | $79,034 |
| Entry Level | 0% |
| Mid Level | 0% |
| Senior Level | 2% |
| Top Level | 3% |
| Experienced | 3% |
Salaries in the United States differ widely between states due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
What Am I Worth?
Salaries in the United States can vary greatly between cities due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
As of April 01, 2025, our research reveals a significant shift in Material Science Engineer compensation over the past six years. For example, the median salary increased from $71,234 in 2023 to approximately $70,837 in 2024. (For a detailed analysis of Material Science Engineer salary trends, click here.)
Key factors like location, experience, industry demand, and economic growth significantly influence salary variations, making them important to consider.
Salary.com job board provides millions of Material Science Engineer information for you to search for. Click on search button below to see Material Science Engineer job openings or enter a new job title here.
Here are companies hiring for Material Science Engineer and their salaries, click below for more details.
| Core Compensation | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Base Salary | $76,701 | 70.2% | ||
| Bonus | $0 | 0.0% | ||
| Value of Benefits | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Social Security | $5,868 | 5.4% | ||
| 401K/403B | $3,221 | 2.9% | ||
| Disability | $1,534 | 1.4% | ||
| Healthcare | $8,352 | 7.6% | ||
| Pension | $4,142 | 3.8% | ||
| Time Off | $9,440 | 8.6% | ||
| Total Compensation | $109,258 | 100% | ||
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| High School | 1.4% |
| Associates | 0.9% |
| Bachelors | 56.5% |
| Masters | 30.4% |
| Doctorate | 10.7% |
What Am I Worth?
Materials Science is a worthwhile degree for those drawn to the practical applications of science and engineering. Graduates can expect salaries ranging from $73,501 to $88,201, with a median of $80,601. The skills acquired are highly sought after in diverse industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, electronics, healthcare, and energy.
The highest-paid engineers in the USA include those in Computer Engineering, earning an average of USD 140,830, and IT Engineering, with an average of USD 132,930. In contrast, Material Science Engineers have a salary range from USD 73,501 to USD 88,201, with a mid-salary of USD 80,601.
The highest salary for a Material Science Engineer is approximately $88,201. The salary range typically starts at a minimum of $73,501, with a mid-level salary around $80,601. Senior positions may offer higher compensation, reflecting the experience and expertise in the field.
A PhD in Materials Science can be worth it, as it leads to diverse career opportunities and higher earning potential. Material Science Engineers typically earn between $73,501 and $88,201, with a median salary of $80,601. This advanced degree can enhance your prospects in both academia and industry, making it a valuable investment in your future.
When considering a career in material science, top universities like Tsinghua University, Nanyang Technological University, and MIT can provide excellent education and research opportunities. Graduates can expect salaries ranging from $73,501 to $88,201, with a median salary around $80,601, reflecting the strong demand for skilled material science engineers in various industries.
Material Science Engineering offers competitive salaries, with a minimum of $73,501, a mid-range of $80,601, and a maximum of $88,201. While some reports suggest higher earnings in specific regions, these figures indicate a solid income potential in the field, making it a lucrative career choice.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
