Occupation Salary Profile

Materials Scientists

SOC Code: 19-2032

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.

National Median (BLS)
$120,120
▲ +11.61% Nominal +8.09% Real
H-1B Sponsor Median
$92,820
▲ +8.4% Nominal +5.11% Real
Average Base Salary
$128,280
Domestic Mean Pay
Total U.S. Employment
30
Active Positions (BLS)
Highest Paying State Calculating…
Highest Employment State Calculating…
Highest Paying Metro Calculating…

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National Baseline Wage Distribution

Empirical wage tiers reported across all 50 states by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for Materials Scientists.

Percentile Tier Annual Base Salary
10th Percentile $94,410
25th Percentile $106,180
National Median (50th Percentile) $120,120
75th Percentile $171,220
90th Percentile $171,990
P10: $94,410 P50 (Median): $120,120 P90: $171,990
Foreign Talent Market

H-1B Visa Sponsor Compensation Benchmarks

Based on 653 certified Labor Condition Applications (LCAs) filed by U.S. employers (Trailing 12 Months vs Prior 12 Months).

H-1B National Median $92,820
YoY Nominal Growth (T12M) ▲ +8.4%
Real Wage Growth (CPI-U Adj) ▲ +5.11%
H-1B Percentile Tier Sponsored Base Salary
10th Percentile $62,000
25th Percentile $73,000
H-1B Median (50th Percentile) $92,820
75th Percentile $120,803
90th Percentile $139,856
H-1B P10: $62,000 H-1B P50: $92,820 H-1B P90: $139,856
💡 Market Premium Insight: The median salary for foreign talent sponsored for Materials Scientists roles ($92,820) is -22.7% lower than the broader domestic BLS national median ($120,120).