The qualifications you need to become a polymer scientist include research and laboratory experience and a graduate degree. You can start on this career path by earning a master’s degree or Ph.D. in chemistry or chemical engineering. Some polymer scientists have advanced degrees in materials science, and some universities offer a specialized degree in polymer science. Since your duties and responsibilities usually focus on experiments and testing, employers also expect previous experience in a scientific lab setting. You can develop your skills by working as a lab assistant or research assistant during your graduate-level studies.

If you are interested in a job related to Polymer Scientist, here are some popular related job searches with the most open positions on ZipRecruiter.

Top Types Of Polymer Scientist Jobs

List of the top 10 highest paying Polymer Scientist positions in 2026, with salary ranges, according to ZipRecruiter.

Polymer Science Phd
Salary range: $75,500 - $100,000
Polymer Science Phd is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Polymer Science Phd jobs pay between $75,500 (25th percentile) and $100,000 (75th percentile) annually. You’ll find many open positions nationwide for Polymer Science Phd job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Polymer Phd
Salary range: $70,000 - $115,000
Polymer Phd is a typical job search query Most salaries for Polymer Phd jobs pay between $70,000 (25th percentile) and $115,000 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Polymer Phd job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Phd Drug Development Scientist
Salary range: $59,000 - $96,000
Phd Drug Development Scientist is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Phd Drug Development Scientist jobs pay between $59,000 (25th percentile) and $96,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Phd Drug Development Scientist job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Bioresource Engineering
Salary range: $42,000 - $79,000
Bioresource Engineering is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Bioresource Engineering jobs pay between $42,000 (25th percentile) and $79,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Bioresource Engineering job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Biopharmaceutical Science
Salary range: $48,000 - $117,500
Biopharmaceutical Science is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Biopharmaceutical Science jobs pay between $48,000 (25th percentile) and $117,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Biopharmaceutical Science job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Senior Pharmaceutical Scientist
Salary range: $101,500 - $150,000
Senior Pharmaceutical Scientist is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Senior Pharmaceutical Scientist jobs pay between $101,500 (25th percentile) and $150,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Senior Pharmaceutical Scientist job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Assay Development Scientist
Salary range: $59,000 - $96,000
Assay Development Scientist is a typical job search query Most salaries for Assay Development Scientist jobs pay between $59,000 (25th percentile) and $96,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Assay Development Scientist job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Clinical Development Scientist
Salary range: $83,500 - $142,000
Clinical Development Scientist is a typical job search query Most salaries for Clinical Development Scientist jobs pay between $83,500 (25th percentile) and $142,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Clinical Development Scientist job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Biocatalysis
Salary range: $38,000 - $50,500
Biocatalysis is a typical job search query Most salaries for Biocatalysis jobs pay between $38,000 (25th percentile) and $50,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Biocatalysis job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Work From Home Formulation Scientist
Salary range: $52,500 - $90,500
Work From Home Formulation Scientist is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Work From Home Formulation Scientist jobs pay between $52,500 (25th percentile) and $90,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Work From Home Formulation Scientist job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

All Jobs Polymer Scientist Jobs 10 of the Most Popular Types of Polymer Scientist Jobs in 2026