How much does a materials scientist make?

In the U.S., pay can differ with experience, advanced education, useful skills, location, and whether someone works for a company, research lab, or college. Hours can matter too: deadlines or time-sensitive experiments may require extra or off-hours work.

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's a typical day like?

They prepare tiny samples, then test how heat, pressure, or corrosion affects them and analyze the results with lab tools or computer models. They write reports recommending materials or ways to improve them.

In the U.S., earn at least a bachelor’s degree in chemistry or a related physical science; lab internships help, and some research jobs need a master’s or Ph.D. Many start after college, often in their early 20s.

Usually a bachelor's degree (preparation level 4 of 5)

Good for people who like figuring things out and building and doing.

Texas A&M materials scientists made a polymer that can partly heal a puncture, leaving a smaller hole—but so far this has only been seen at the nanoscale and extreme temperatures.