How To Become A Materials Scientist: What It Is and Career Path

What is a materials scientist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted Expert

Nikhilesh Chawla

Ever wondered why certain rocks or materials react differently to different elements? If so, then this is the job for you to satisfy that curiosity. A material scientist does everything from fundamental research on materials' chemical properties to developing new ones and modifying formulations for existing materials to suit new applications.

A materials scientist typically conducts research on the structures and properties of materials in order to help develop new products or enhance existing ones. They perform experiments and computer modeling to study the structure, nature, physical and chemical properties of metals and their alloys, as well as responses to applied forces. They also determine ways to combine or strengthen materials or develop new ones to use in other applications and products. Educational requirements include a bachelor's degree in chemistry or a related field. Although some materials scientists hold a degree in material science, most have one in physics, chemistry, engineering, etc. In order to progress further in the career, you will be required to earn a master's degree or a Ph.D.

If this is the job for you, then apply away. The average hourly salary for a materials scientist is $39.29. This equates to over $81,000 annually. The career is projected to grow 4% in the following years and create various job opportunities.

What general advice would you give to a Materials Scientist?

Nikhilesh Chawla

Ransburg Professor of Materials Engineering, Purdue University

Prioritize your education. Having a Bachelor’s is great but you will be able to do much more interesting work AND have a higher salary with a Master’s or PhD.

ScoreMaterials ScientistUS Average

Salary

6.6

Avg. Salary $84,459

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level

5.3

Growth Rate 6%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity

5.7

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.25%

Asian 29.63%

Black or African American 5.89%

Hispanic or Latino 8.51%

Unknown 4.29%

White 51.43%

Gender

female 27.06%

male 72.94%

Age - 40

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 40

Stress Level

5.3

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level

9.9

Complexity Level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance

6.1

Work Life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a materials scientist

Explore materials scientist education requirements

Most common materials scientist degrees

Bachelor's

58.6 %

Doctorate

23.5 %

Master's

15.8 %

Start to develop specific materials scientist skills

Skills	Percentages
Polymer	9.51%
SEM	7.02%
Materials Characterization	5.66%
Data Analysis	5.05%
Technical Reports	4.73%

Complete relevant materials scientist training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New materials scientists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a materials scientist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real materials scientist resumes.

Research materials scientist duties and responsibilities

Manage equipment calibration and maintenance to comply with CGMPs, FDA and OSHA
Achieve API form stability improvement by encapsulation and subsequent analysis.
Manage large-scale GMP manufacturing and pilot-scale trials for material development evaluations.
Manage sample inventory via in-house laboratory information management system (LIMS) and implement additional systems for sample and chemical organization.

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When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your materials scientist resume.

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