Materials Scientist

Explore This Path

Innovate materials for cutting-edge tech and sustainable solutions.
Transform industries by developing stronger, smarter materials.
Explore the science behind everyday and futuristic materials.

💰 Earn $108K-$162K

📚 Bachelor Degree

⏱️ 48 MONTH TRAINING

📈 8.7% JOB GROWTH

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What You’ll Do

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.

Conduct research on the structures and properties of materials, such as metals, alloys, polymers, and ceramics, to obtain information that could be used to develop new products or enhance existing ones.
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.
Plan laboratory experiments to confirm feasibility of processes and techniques used in the production of materials with special characteristics.
Devise testing methods to evaluate the effects of various conditions on particular materials.
Prepare reports, manuscripts, proposals, and technical manuals for use by other scientists and requestors, such as sponsors and customers.

Scoop

Minimum Education

Bachelor Degree

Career Prospects

Excellent (Increasing by 5% or more)

Training Time

Over 4 years

Job Openings

800 Annually

Median Earnings

$130,260 in California

$106,160 Nationally

$25K

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Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Thinking and problem solving
Working with my hands

You are skilled in 💫

Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Science
Speaking
Writing
Reading Comprehension

You value 🙏

Accomplishing things
Having freedom
Receiving recognition

Deep Dive

Materials Scientist

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 4-5+ years