Materials Scientists

Also Called: Materials Scientist, Polymer Materials Consultant, Research Scientist, Scientist

Bachelor's Degree

usually needed

Not Available
(Students Only)
Match Percentage

$64,130

Entry Salary

Average

Job outlook

What Materials Scientists 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.
Industry Areas:

Renewable Resources and Energy

Expand For Additional Details

Work Context

  • Electronic Mail
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  • Face-to-Face Discussions
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  • Structured versus Unstructured Work

Tools

  • Spectrometers
  • Laboratory box furnaces
  • Scanning probe microscopes
  • Abrasion testers
  • Laboratory balances

Technology

Analytical or scientific software
Bruker AXS LEPTOS
IBM SPSS Statistics
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Science
  • Active Listening
  • Active Learning

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology
product and service development
computers and electronics
Math and Science
chemistry
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Arts and Humanities
English language
Manufactured or Agricultural Goods
manufacture and distribution of products

Education

  • 38% Bachelor's degree
  • 24% Master's degree
  • 24% Doctoral degree

Experience

Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.

What are some related occupations at different educational levels?


Job Training Match

Weatherization Installers & Technicians

Educational Level

High School Diploma or Equivalent

 Job Training Match

Security & Fire Alarm Systems Installers

Educational Level

Post-secondary, non-degree

 Job Training Match

Surveying & Mapping Technicians

Educational Level

Associate's Degree

Materials Scientists Currently Selected

Educational Level

Bachelor's Degree

Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary

Educational Level

Advanced Degree

What are your training options on the pathway to this occupation?

Advanced Training

There are currently no advanced training opportunities for this career.

ACT & College

  • Air Force Institute of Technology-Graduate School of Engineering & Management

    Wright-Patterson AFB, OH

  • Carnegie Mellon University

    Pittsburgh, PA

Apprenticeships

Earn while you learn. Apprenticeships combines paid training & specialized classes to help workers enter highly skilled occupations. Click here for to locate an apprenticeship near you.

Military

The Military offers exciting career opportunities that align with your interests. Click here to explore military careers and find a recruiter near you.

Are You a Good Fit?

Occupation Traits

    • Investigative (Thinker)
    • Realistic (Doer)

Work Styles

  • Analytical Thinking
  • Integrity
  • Attention to Detail
  • Innovation
  • Initiative
  • Persistence

Values

  • Achievement
  • Independence
  • Recognition

Abilities

  • Verbal
  • Ideas and Logic
  • Math
  • Visual Understanding

This is what Materials Scientists across the country typically make.

$30.83 / hour
$64,130 /year

Entry Level

$51.04 / hour
$106,160 /year

Median Level

$82.16 / hour
$170,900 /year

Experienced Level

Income information reflects a regional average.
Income information reflects a national average.

This career’s National Job Outlook is

Average

Please be sure to verify the outlook of this occupation with your instructor.

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