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$24.5K

$48.4K

$79K

How much do surface science jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for surface science in the United States is $48,391.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $52,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Surface Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Surface Scientist, you need a solid background in chemistry, physics, or materials science, often supported by a PhD or relevant research experience. Expertise with analytical instruments such as AFM, XPS, SEM, and proficiency in data analysis software are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective collaboration set outstanding professionals apart. These competencies are crucial for accurately analyzing surface properties and driving innovation in materials development and industrial applications.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals in surface science, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in surface science often encounter challenges such as the need for precise sample preparation and the interpretation of complex data from surface analysis techniques. Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, staying updated with advancements in instrumentation, and participating in regular training can help address these hurdles. Additionally, clear communication with colleagues in chemistry, physics, and engineering enhances problem-solving and accelerates research progress.

What is surface science?

Surface science is the study of physical and chemical phenomena that occur at the interface of two phases, such as solid–liquid, solid–gas, liquid–gas, or solid–vacuum interfaces. This field focuses on understanding how surfaces interact with their surroundings, including adsorption, catalysis, corrosion, and surface modification. Surface science is crucial in industries like semiconductors, materials science, nanotechnology, and catalysis, where controlling surface properties can dramatically affect performance and functionality.

What is the difference between Surface Science vs Surface Chemist?

AspectSurface ScienceSurface Chemist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Materials Science, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related fields
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, industrial settingsLaboratories, research and development departments, industrial labs
Industry UsageResearch, materials development, nanotechnologyProduct development, coatings, surface treatments
Common Search/ComparisonSurface Science vs Surface Chemist

Surface Science focuses on understanding the physical and chemical properties of surfaces at a fundamental level, often involving physics and materials analysis. Surface Chemists primarily work on chemical processes and reactions occurring on surfaces, developing coatings or surface treatments. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work environments, but their focus areas differ—one emphasizes fundamental surface properties, the other applied chemical processes.

More about Surface Science jobs
What cities are hiring for Surface Science jobs? Cities with the most Surface Science job openings:
What states have the most Surface Science jobs? States with the most job openings for Surface Science jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Surface Science jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Surface Science jobs are:
Surface Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surface Science job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 55% Full Time, 38% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 62% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 37% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,391 per year, or $23.3 per hour.
Surface Science & Microscopy Scientist

Surface Science & Microscopy Scientist

ExxonMobil

Spring, TX

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 25 days ago

ExxonMobil rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 220 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

57th of 74 rated oil and gas companies

Job description

About us

At ExxonMobil, our vision is to lead in energy innovations that advance modern living and a net-zero future. As one of the world’s largest publicly traded energy and chemical companies, we are powered by a unique and diverse workforce fueled by the pride in what we do and what we stand for.

The success of our Upstream, Product Solutions and Low Carbon Solutions businesses is the result of the talent, curiosity and drive of our people. They bring solutions every day to optimize our strategy in energy, chemicals, lubricants and lower-emissions technologies. 

We invite you to bring your ideas to ExxonMobil to help create sustainable solutions that improve quality of life and meet society’s evolving needs. Learn more about our What and our Why and how we can work together.

What role you will play in our team

This researcher will serve as a technical leader and champion for microanalysis and surface science within multi-disciplinary teams supporting R&D and business needs.  They will leverage their knowledge to develop and scout new methods, tools, and expertise, building long-term capabilities that help solve energy industry challenges.  

What you will do
  • Collaborate effectively with global multi-disciplinary teams to further R&D goals and support the business.
  • Provide leadership in areas related to microanalysis and surface science.
  • Apply characterization techniques and your expertise to develop composition/structure/process/property relationships.
  • Utilize and grow internal analytical capabilities, establish external partners, and leverage 3rd party labs to advance research objectives and meet program deliverables.
  • Establish and grow awareness of adjacent techniques, methods, and experts to guide research activities to the most effective solutions.
  • Provide support for established testing methods as a subject matter expert.
  • Remain current and engaged with the community in your area of expertise.
  • Communicate your results internally and externally to maintain/establish your expertise and visibility (including seminars, publications, patents, etc.).
About you

Minimum Skills and Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. (or equivalent experience) in Materials Science, Physics, or a related field, with a focus on microanalysis or surface science.
  • Hands-on expertise operating a number of microanalysis or surface science tools, such as XPS, ToF-SIMS, dynamic SIMS, SEM, EPMA, TEM, FIB, and AFM.
  • Ability to demonstrate fundamental understanding of electron/ion/x-ray interactions with materials and the hardware used for microanalysis and/or surface science.
  • Proficiency with image analysis, statistical analysis, and programming skills.

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Prior exposure to industrial R&D, manufacturing support, or product qualification
  • Experience maintaining and troubleshooting complex instruments.
  • Track record of presentations, publications, and/or patents.
  • Ability to integrate microanalysis or surface science with complementary characterization methods (e.g., optical spectroscopy, x-ray scattering, thermal analysis).
  • Experience working with carbon and hydrocarbon-based materials.
Your benefits

An ExxonMobil career is one designed to last. Our commitment to you runs deep: our employees grow personally and professionally, with benefits built on our core categories of health, security, finance, and life.

We offer you: 

  • Pension Plan: Enrollment is automatic and at no cost to you. The basic benefit is a monthly annuity to be paid to you in retirement for the rest of your life. 

  • Savings Plan: You can contribute between 6% and 20% of your pay and are encouraged to enroll right away. If you contribute at least 6% to your savings plan, the Company will contribute a 7% match. 

  • Workplace Flexibility: We have several programs such as “Flex your Day”, providing ad-hoc flexibility around when and where you work, as well as longer-term programs such as leaves of absence and part-time work.

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans. 

  • Culture of Health: Programs and resources to support your wellbeing. 

  • Employee Health Advisory Program: Provides confidential professional counseling for you and your family, including tools and resources promoting mental health and resiliency at no additional cost to you. 

  • Disability Plan: Income replacement for when you cannot work due to illness or injury occurring on or off the job. Enrollment is automatic and at no cost to you.

  • More information on our Company’s benefits can be found at www.exxonmobilfamily.com

  • Please note benefits may be changed from time to time without notice, subject to applicable law.

Stay connected with us

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ExxonMobil is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or physical or mental disability.

Alternate Location:  

Nothing herein is intended to override the corporate separateness of local entities. Working relationships discussed herein do not necessarily represent a reporting connection, but may reflect a functional guidance, stewardship, or service relationship. 

Exxon Mobil Corporation has numerous affiliates, many with names that include ExxonMobil, Exxon, Esso and Mobil. For convenience and simplicity, those terms and terms like corporation, company, our, we and its are sometimes used as abbreviated references to specific affiliates or affiliate groups. Abbreviated references describing global or regional operational organizations and global or regional business lines are also sometimes used for convenience and simplicity. Similarly, ExxonMobil has business relationships with thousands of customers, suppliers, governments, and others. For convenience and simplicity, words like venture, joint venture, partnership, co-venturer, and partner are used to indicate business relationships involving common activities and interests, and those words may not indicate precise legal relationships.

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