Materials Scientists

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.

Salary by State

State Name	Employment	Annual Salary	Hourly Salary
Arizona	110	$79,740	$38.34
California	600	$108,120	$51.98
Colorado	90	$126,060	$60.61
Connecticut	60	$141,070	$67.82
Delaware	110	$119,450	$57.43
Florida	210	$91,970	$44.22
Georgia	140	$93,220	$44.82
Idaho	40	$85,090	$40.91
Illinois	530	$107,330	$51.60
Indiana		$108,980	$52.40
Iowa	150	$90,470	$43.49
Kentucky	40	$95,820	$46.07
Maryland	270	$106,950	$51.42
Massachusetts	240	$107,490	$51.68
Michigan	250	$92,540	$44.49
Minnesota	120	$100,690	$48.41
Nebraska	80	$87,700	$42.16
New Hampshire	130	$151,250	$72.72
New Jersey	250	$107,940	$51.89
New York	640	$118,820	$57.13
North Carolina	240	$91,070	$43.78
Ohio	300	$95,920	$46.12
Oregon	80	$113,540	$54.59
Pennsylvania	460	$98,310	$47.26
Tennessee	150	$82,610	$39.71
Texas	190	$67,430	$32.42
Utah	150	$111,640	$53.67
Virginia	170	$98,640	$47.43
Washington	400	$114,030	$54.82

Education

The programs listed below are typically the education paths that can land you this kind of job.

A program that focuses on the properties and processing of fibers, yarns, whole fabrics, dyes, and finishes, both natural and synthetic. Includes instruction in the chemical and physical properties of textile materials; end-use analysis; interior furnishing applications; and industrial applications.

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY

Bachelor's Degree

A program that focuses on the general application of mathematical and scientific principles to the analysis and evaluation of the characteristics and behavior of solids, including internal structure, chemical properties, transport and energy flow properties, thermodynamics of solids, stress and failure factors, chemical transformation states and processes, compound materials, and research on industrial applications of specific materials.

The University of Alabama

Tuscaloosa, AL

Doctorate Degree

University of Arizona

Tucson, AZ

Bachelor's Degree Doctorate Degree Master's Degree

Northern Arizona University

Flagstaff, AZ

Master's Degree

A program that focuses on the synthesis and study of organic or inorganic materials and their electronic, magnetic, optical or mechanical properties. Includes instruction in advanced materials for photonics, lasers, chemical sensors and arrays or nanochemistry; semiconductor nanowires; and molecular electronics.