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The differences between materials scientists and electrical engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a materials scientist, becoming an electrical engineer takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a materials scientist has an average salary of $84,459, which is higher than the $81,026 average annual salary of an electrical engineer.
The top three skills for a materials scientist include polymer, SEM and materials characterization. The most important skills for an electrical engineer are autocad, electrical systems, and UL.
| Materials Scientist | Electrical Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $84,459 | $81,026 |
| Hourly rate | $40.61 | $38.95 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 3% |
| Number of jobs | 46,795 | 68,536 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 59% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Average age | 42 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
A materials scientist is responsible for evaluating scientific properties, investigating chemical solutions and structures, and analyzing the components of natural materials. Materials scientists perform data analysis using scientific methods and operating different laboratory tools and equipment to develop entirely new scientific discoveries that would benefit various market industries for production. They also validate their findings by researching existing cases or coordinating with science experts to support their claims. A materials scientist creates a comprehensive report, including its scope and benefits for society.
Electrical engineers are responsible for designing and developing new electrical systems, solving issues, and testing equipment. They work on various technologies, including telecommunication systems, satellite communications, and electrical power stations. Electrical engineers study and apply the mathematics and physics of electromagnetism, electronics, and electricity to small and large-scale electrical systems to transmit energy and process information. They often work with all types of electronic devices, such as supercomputers and power transmission. They also work in the emerging field of microelectronics.
Materials scientists and electrical engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Materials Scientist | Electrical Engineer | |
| Average salary | $84,459 | $81,026 |
| Salary range | Between $59,000 And $119,000 | Between $59,000 And $109,000 |
| Highest paying City | Novato, CA | Redmond, WA |
| Highest paying state | Nevada | Washington |
| Best paying company | Meta | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Technology |
There are a few differences between a materials scientist and an electrical engineer in terms of educational background:
| Materials Scientist | Electrical Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 59% | Bachelor's Degree, 76% |
| Most common major | Chemistry | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Cornell University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between materials scientists' and electrical engineers' demographics:
| Materials Scientist | Electrical Engineer | |
| Average age | 42 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 72.9% Female, 27.1% | Male, 90.0% Female, 10.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 5.9% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 8.5% Asian, 29.6% White, 51.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 4.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 11.1% Asian, 16.2% White, 63.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 6% |