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.
SOC: 19-2032.00
Common Job Titles
Materials Research Engineer
Materials Scientist
Research Scientist
Scientist
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
KnowledgeDesign novel composite materials and material formulations with targeted properties integrating knowledge of chemistry, physics, and engineering principles for specific industrial applications.
Advanced
KnowledgeSynthesize research findings from multiple analytical techniques and experimental data sources to draw conclusions about material behavior and structure-property relationships.
Advanced
KnowledgeDevelop experimental methodologies for testing material strength, durability, and performance characteristics adapting standard techniques to address novel research questions independently.
Advanced
KnowledgeFormulate technical documentation including research reports, journal publications, and patent applications communicating complex scientific concepts clearly to diverse technical and non-technical audiences.
Advanced
KnowledgeAnalyze structural and chemical properties of materials including metals, alloys, ceramics, semiconductors, and polymers using advanced spectroscopy and microscopy techniques in laboratory settings.
Proficient
KnowledgeEvaluate material performance data from thermal, mechanical, and chemical testing to determine compliance with industry standards and application-specific requirements.
Proficient
Hands-onOperate specialized analytical instrumentation including electron microscopes, spectrometers, and thermal analyzers following established protocols to ensure accurate characterization of material samples.
Proficient
Hands-onExecute material synthesis and processing procedures using furnaces, presses, and deposition systems maintaining precise control over temperature, pressure, and environmental conditions.
Proficient
KnowledgeInterpret complex spectroscopic, diffraction, and imaging data using computational software including MATLAB, Python, and specialized materials analysis tools.
Proficient
MindsetAdvocate research findings and material recommendations when communicating with interdisciplinary teams, industry stakeholders, and academic audiences.
Proficient
KnowledgeApply principles of thermodynamics, kinetics, and quantum mechanics to predict material behavior and guide development of materials with specific properties.
Proficient
MindsetIntegrate continuous learning strategies and emerging research methodologies to remain current with advances in nanotechnology, computational materials science, and characterization techniques.
Proficient
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Materials Scientists (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
8,330
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $61,460. 25th percentile: U.S. $79,980. 50th percentile: U.S. $104,160. 75th percentile: U.S. $134,140. 90th percentile: U.S. $168,500. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$61,460
10% of workers earn the following or more
$168,500
Workers on average earn
$111,410
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Engineering and Technology4.8/5
Chemistry4.6/5
Physics4.4/5
Mathematics4.3/5
Computers and Electronics3.8/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
Hypertext markup language HTML
IBM SPSS Statistics
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Word
Python
R
The MathWorks MATLAB
Technology Skills
ANSYS LS-DYNA
ANSYS Multiphysics
Accelrys Materials Studio
Advanced Chemistry Development Analytical Laboratory
