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How much do materials science jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for materials science in the United States is $123,973.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,500.00 and $167,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a materials science?

A Materials Science job involves studying and developing materials to improve existing products or create new ones. Professionals in this field work with metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites to enhance properties like strength, durability, and conductivity. They collaborate with engineers and manufacturers in industries such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, and healthcare. Common roles include materials engineer, metallurgist, and research scientist.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in materials science?

To thrive in Materials Science, you need strong analytical skills in chemistry and physics, a degree in materials science or a related engineering field, and hands-on laboratory experience. Familiarity with technical tools such as electron microscopes, spectrometers, and materials characterization software, as well as certifications like Six Sigma or ASQ, are commonly required. Problem-solving abilities, effective teamwork, and clear communication skills are highly valued in this profession. These competencies are crucial for developing innovative materials, ensuring quality, and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams in research and industrial settings.

What typical career paths are available for professionals in materials science?

Materials Science professionals can pursue a variety of career paths including roles in research and development, quality assurance, product design, manufacturing, and technical consulting. Many start as lab technicians or junior engineers and can advance to senior scientist, project manager, or even into leadership roles such as director of materials engineering. Career progression often depends on accumulating hands-on experience, pursuing advanced degrees, and developing expertise with specialized materials or industry applications. Employers value individuals who continually update their skills and contribute to cross-functional projects. The field offers diverse opportunities in industries such as aerospace, automotive, biomedical devices, electronics, and energy.

Are materials scientists in demand?

Materials scientists are in demand in industries such as aerospace, electronics, and energy, where advanced materials are essential. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as research and development continue to expand, and skills in characterization techniques and computer modeling are highly valued.

Is a materials science degree worth it?

A materials science degree prepares individuals for careers in research, development, and manufacturing of materials, often requiring knowledge of chemistry, physics, and engineering principles. It can lead to roles in industries such as aerospace, electronics, and energy, with job prospects improving through internships and specialized skills like materials characterization and CAD software. The degree provides a solid foundation for technical roles and advancement in the field.

What jobs can I get with a materials science degree?

A materials science degree qualifies individuals for roles such as materials engineer, research scientist, quality control analyst, and product development engineer. These jobs often involve working with metals, polymers, ceramics, or composites, and may require knowledge of testing methods, CAD software, and industry standards.

What jobs can you do with materials science?

Materials science graduates can pursue careers as materials engineers, research scientists, quality control specialists, or product development engineers. These roles involve designing, testing, and improving materials such as metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites, often requiring knowledge of laboratory techniques and computer-aided design tools.
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Materials Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Materials Science job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,973 per year, or $59.6 per hour.

Materials Science Engineer

Kennametal, Inc.

Latrobe, PA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Kennametal rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

290th of 494 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

About Kennametal

With over 80 years as an industrial technology leader, Kennametal Inc. delivers productivity to customers through materials science, tooling and wear-resistant solutions. Customers across aerospace and defense, earthworks, energy, general engineering and transportation turn to Kennametal to help them manufacture with precision and efficiency. Every day approximately 8,700 employees are helping customers in nearly 100 countries stay competitive. Kennametal generated $2.1 billion in revenues in fiscal 2023. Learn more at www.kennametal.com. Follow @Kennametal: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Job Title: Engineer - Materials Science & Engineering
Location: Latrobe, PA (Hybrid)

Company

With over 80 years as an industrial technology leader, Kennametal Inc. delivers productivity to customers through materials science, tooling and wear-resistant solutions. Customers across aerospace and defense, earthworks, energy, general engineering and transportation turn to Kennametal to help them manufacture with precision and efficiency. Every day approximately 8,700 employees are helping customers in nearly 100 countries stay competitive. Kennametal generated $2.1 billion in revenues in fiscal 2023. Learn more at www.kennametal.com. Follow @Kennametal: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.

 

Job Description - Requirements

Kennametal has an opening for an experienced candidate in Material Science and Engineering, Chemical, Solid State or Physical Science and Engineering for an assignment in our research facility in the Pittsburgh, PA region.  A minimum of a B.S. degree with preferably three years of practical experience in one of the above field of studies will be given consideration for a commensurate title and assignment.  Knowledge of physical metallurgy particularly in powdered metals / hard metal /metal alloys / industrial ceramics is strongly preferred. Knowledge about metal powder particle manipulation, application, surface science, chemical and physical vapor deposited coatings and polymer science are other fundamental areas of interest. Practical experience of manufacturing or lab-scale processing is a plus.  Beneficial skills/experience would include project management, process modelling, thermodynamic modelling, statistical data analysis, powder formulation, characterization, and binder system design.

This position works under the supervision of the Manager to develop new materials, processes and technology in the area of hard metal powder design, synthesis and application.  The successful candidate must demonstrate effective verbal/written communications skills, excellent troubleshooting skills and an ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment.  Time management and prioritization skills are critical.  Applicants should possess a desire to join an extended team of research and manufacturing colleagues in a fast-paced environment.

Job Description - Tasks

  • Establish subject matter expertise for materials, processes and technologies for enterprise-wide support.
  • Support product development, process development, intellectual property, quality, manufacturing and EHS through the development of hardmetal powder processes for a wide variety of product platforms.
  • Direct a technical Competency Team in the standardization and deployment of cost-effective processes.
  • Initiate, plan and implement technology, manufacturing and capital projects.
  • Lead, implement and sustain local/global system improvements, including measurement system analyses to improve consistency and correlation of processes.
  • From time to time, may be required to provide remote and on-site technical assistance to manufacturing.
  • Establish a technical presence in the hardmetal community through industry association involvement and publications in relevant trade journals and conferences.
  • Lead teams to resolution in the systematic use of data-driven analysis, decision making and validation.
  • Author and maintain internal procedures and work instructions.
  • Assist in vendor and material qualification, prepare functional specifications.
  • Research, evaluate and develop new technologies, analytical techniques and processing methods.
  • Travel up to 25%, depending on project activity.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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