Materials Scientists in California
Considering working as a Materials Scientists in California? Below are the key facts. 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.
What do Materials Scientists Make in California?
For materials scientists working in California, the median annual wage is $131,530 per year (or roughly $63.24/hour).Annual wages span from $57,030 at the 10th percentile to $182,860 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $57,030 | $27.42 |
| 25th percentile | $96,510 | $46.40 |
| Median (50th) | $131,530 | $63.24 |
| 75th percentile | $158,290 | $76.10 |
| 90th percentile | $182,860 | $87.91 |
The location quotient — a measure of how concentrated this occupation is in California compared to the national average — is 0.62, suggesting fewer materials scientists per worker than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, materials scientists earn a median of $101,265 per year ($48.69/hour), above the California median.
Employment Outlook
There are roughly 10,106 materials scientists nationwide. In California alone, about 610 people work in this role. That puts the state above the typical state, which employs around 180 materials scientists.
Top California Metros for Materials Scientists
These are the California metros with the most materials scientists in California.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | 170 | $126,240 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | 160 | $131,530 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | 90 | $68,290 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | 90 | $156,530 |
Top States for Materials Scientists Employment
The table below shows the states where the most materials scientists work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 720 |
| Ohio | 670 |
| New Jersey | 630 |
| New York | 630 |
| California | 610 |
| Illinois | 470 |
| Tennessee | 430 |
| Texas | 380 |
| North Carolina | 370 |
| Minnesota | 360 |
| Washington | 290 |
| Pennsylvania | 290 |
| Georgia | 250 |
| Maryland | 200 |
| Oregon | 180 |
| Michigan | 170 |
| Iowa | 170 |
| Virginia | 160 |
| Wisconsin | 140 |
| Delaware | 100 |
Highest-Paying States for Materials Scientists
Where materials scientists earn the most: materials scientists.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| New Hampshire | $136,300 |
| California | $131,530 |
| Colorado | $126,980 |
| New York | $125,490 |
| Florida | $122,910 |
| Wisconsin | $120,520 |
| Illinois | $120,320 |
| Virginia | $118,820 |
| Utah | $118,720 |
| Massachusetts | $118,270 |
Skills
The most important materials scientists skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Key knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
Top abilities for materials scientists, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Common tasks include:
- 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.
- Test metals to determine conformance to specifications of mechanical strength, strength-weight ratio, ductility, magnetic and electrical properties, and resistance to abrasion, corrosion, heat, and cold.
- Test material samples for tolerance under tension, compression, and shear to determine the cause of metal failures.
- 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.
- Prepare reports, manuscripts, proposals, and technical manuals for use by other scientists and requestors, such as sponsors and customers.
- Plan laboratory experiments to confirm feasibility of processes and techniques used in the production of materials with special characteristics.
- Recommend materials for reliable performance in various environments.
- Supervise and monitor production processes to ensure efficient use of equipment, timely changes to specifications, and project completion within time frame and budget.
- Research methods of processing, forming, and firing materials to develop such products as ceramic dental fillings, unbreakable dinner plates, and telescope lenses.
- Perform experiments and computer modeling to study the nature, structure, and physical and chemical properties of metals and their alloys, and their responses to applied forces.
- Devise testing methods to evaluate the effects of various conditions on particular materials.
- Test individual parts and products to ensure that manufacturer and governmental quality and safety standards are met.
Work Activities
- Getting Information
- Analyzing Data or Information
- Processing Information
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
- Working with Computers
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Thinking Creatively
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
Tools & Technology
Software and systems commonly involved: Hot technologies: Hypertext markup language HTML, IBM SPSS Statistics In-demand technologies: Microsoft Excel
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Several college majors map to this occupation:
- Materials Sciences
- Textile & Apparel Studies
Featured schools near , edit
Related Careers
Related occupations to materials scientists include:
- Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers
- Chemical Engineers
- Electrical Engineers
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
- Industrial Engineers
- Manufacturing Engineers
Also Known As
Analytical Scientist, Applications Scientist, Material Science Engineer, Materials Research Engineer, Materials Scientist, Metal Alloy Scientist, Metallurgical Engineer, Metallurgist, Micro Electrical/Mechanical Systems Device Scientist (MEMS Device Scientist), Plastics Scientist, Polymer Materials Consultant, Polymer Specialist, R and D Scientist (Research and Development Scientist), Research Development Specialist, Research Scientist.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 19-2032.00
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